The real window lickers are the ones who can't see the legitimacy of my original comment. Toronto's rise was much faster than Tampa's rise. Tampa's core is plateaued with the exception of maybe Brayden Point and Sergachev. Kucherov is not going to magically be a 120 point player. Stamkos isn't magically going to become an iron man. Hedman is not going to keep getting better with age.

The difference between the two teams is that Toronto just broke a franchise record for points in a season last year. And these kids haven't even hit their prime yet. They are going to get better. Really think about that for a second. Let that sink in. THESE KIDS ARE GOING TO GET BETTER

That's a scary thought if you are any other team in the division and in the conference. They are a tough match up for any team.

Also, someone made the comment about cap space earlier. They have almost 20M remaining in cap space after they move Horton to LTIR. This team who is already better than Tampa is going to get EVEN BETTER. Ignore the fact that I am a Leafs fan for a minute and look at the reality of the situation. The Bolts were the better team last year, i'll give you that. But this is a very different set of circumstances this year.
- Snowman X

The problem you have is that no one is going to ignore the fact that you're a leafs fan, or that you're able to discuss the topic without bias, because you began your discord with the ridiculous stament about how all those that don't agree (with your opinion) are obviously biased Leaf haters....I'm still wiping the irony from my screen.

- poopstash

He isnt wrong

Points In Brackets
* Major injury that affected play
? Less than 25 games

Flyers:

Giroux(102) - Couturier(76) - Konecny(47)
JVR(54) - Patrick(30*) - Voracek(85)
Lindblom(6?) - Laughton(20) - Simmonds(46*)
Raffl(22) - Weal(21) - Leier(5?)

Provorov(41, +17) -Ghost(65, +10)
AMac(21, +8) - Gudas(16, +0)
Hagg(9, +5 ) - Sanheim(10, -6)

Elliot(2.66 GAA, 0.909 SV%)
Neuvirth(2.60 GAA, 0.915 SV%?)

Toronto:

Marleau(47) - Matthews(63*) - Nylander(61)
Hyman(40) - Tavares(84) - Marner(69)
Johnson(3?) - Kadri(55) - Kapanen(9)
Ennis(22) - Lindholm(?) - Brown(28)

Reilly(52, -4) - Hainsey(23, + 12)
Gardner(52, +9) - Zaitsev(13, +8)
Dermott(13, +16) - Carrick(12, +5)

Andersen(2.81 GAA, 0.918 SV%)
Mcelhinney(2.15 GAA, 0.934 SV%?)

I enjoyed this blog, made me smile.

I think the better teams to compare is Toronto and Philadelphia. You really can't get a more on the spot comparison than those two.

Forwards: Even at best
Toronto has an edge down the center with Matthews and Tavares, but Flyers easily take the edge down the wings and depth throughout their top 9.

Defense: Flyers have the edge
Toronto has some weapons on the back end that can move the puck out and generate shots on net, but so do the Flyers. The difference between the two is the depth and in their own zone. Both can be terrible at times, but the Flyers edge is with better consistency.

Goaltending: Toronto has the edge
Both starters are above average, Flyers have an edge with their backup in Neuvirth and depth call-ups. The deciding factor is staying healthy and injuries. Elliott was very solid for most of last season, and has proved it wasn't a fluke with past numbers in St. Louis, but he was never able to recover quick enough from the core injury he had near the end of the year. Neuvirth when on his game is also above average, but just can not stop getting injured which is a huge factor. Lyon looked very solid at times and Stolarz looked solid the previous year, but again was injured for the entire year. The common factor is health for the Flyers, not performance.

Coaching: Toronto has the edge
Babcock, enough said. One of the better coaches in the league. Hakstol has made some nice changes in his few years in the NHL, but some of his in game decisions can be head scratchers that have made differences in game.

Front office: Flyers have the edge
Let's get real, it's not tough to draft a Matthews by tanking multiple years or signing someone by giving them lots of money. Hextall has completely overhauled the Flyers cap situation with his short time as GM, that's even with some hefty 8M+ contracts on the team and space to burn. Then add the fact they are once again considered top 2 with their prospect pool with depth at ALL positions. The scouting staff should be given just as much credit.

Fans: Even
Do I really have to give details?

Team performance: Even
Last year both teams finished 3rd in their respective divisions and were both eliminated by better teams in the 1st round. Both teams had the same amount of loses in the regular season with 26. The difference between the two came to the Flyers inability to get more OT/SO points, 14 to 7. Toronto had an edge in goal scoring with 277 to 251 and gave up a few less than the Flyers with 232 to 243. Regular season match-up between the two teams Flyers edged out with a 2-0-1 record (4-2 W, 4-2 W and 3-2 (OT) W).

You really can't get any closer of a match-up then that.
- Glak18

This thread is about the upcoming season, not last years.

Nice blog though. Most was inaccurate.

This thread is about the upcoming season, not last years.

Nice blog though. Most was inaccurate.
- LeafGuy89

So the upcoming season is based off a video game simulation?

You're probably right. It can't possibly be that this forum is filled with high school drop outs who spend way too much time playing NHL 18 in their parent's basement and eating Doritos in their underwear at 11am.. It has to be that I am a nut job. Well played.
- Snowman X

Well....

-I graduated from College
-Never played NHL18
-I'm 28 and live at home for the sole reason of banking my earnings to buy my own place. Currently at 100k
-Dont like Doritos
-Currently working
-Nothing wrong with being home in your underwear. If Im home alone, theres no need to cover up unless its cold.

You're probably right. It can't possibly be that this forum is filled with high school drop outs who spend way too much time playing NHL 18 in their parent's basement and eating Doritos in their underwear at 11am.. It has to be that I am a nut job. Well played.
- Snowman X

Well, the likelihood of that being true re: your many detractors vs. the likelihood of your single derangement is pretty stilted.

Also, lulz... u triggered bro?

Well....

-I graduated from College
-Never played NHL18
-I'm 28 and live at home for the sole reason of banking my earnings to buy my own place. Currently at 100k
-Dont like Doritos
-Currently working
-Nothing wrong with being home in your underwear. If Im home alone, theres no need to cover up unless its cold.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Sooooo what tier are you on Fortnite?

Well, Hitchcock discovered the way to increased views and posts - drag Leafs fans into a debate. LOL.

I don't think there is a valid comparison to the two teams, but the difference between the two rosters is shrinking.

Until the Leafs mount some deeper playoff runs, I give the edge to Tampa. Results speak for themselves. While this current roster has no Cups, it does have a finals appearance and two conference finals appearances (losing all three to the eventual champion). Talk about being always the bridesmaid.

The Leafs are dangerous. They are serious and they are built to win. Their time has arrived and now they are a force to be reckoned with. Tampa still has an edge on defense and in goaltending. But, really, it's silly trying to say which one is better at this point. It depends on what criteria one is using.

As a Tampa fan, let me put it this way - the way this current Leafs' roster is built and coached, I don't want to see them in the playoffs very often.

He isnt wrong

Points In Brackets
* Major injury that affected play
? Less than 25 games

Flyers:

Giroux(102) - Couturier(76) - Konecny(47)
JVR(54) - Patrick(30*) - Voracek(85)
Lindblom(6?) - Laughton(20) - Simmonds(46*)
Raffl(22) - Weal(21) - Leier(5?)

Provorov(41, +17) -Ghost(65, +10)
AMac(21, +8) - Gudas(16, +0)
Hagg(9, +5 ) - Sanheim(10, -6)

Elliot(2.66 GAA, 0.909 SV%)
Neuvirth(2.60 GAA, 0.915 SV%?)

Toronto:

Marleau(47) - Matthews(63*) - Nylander(61)
Hyman(40) - Tavares(84) - Marner(69)
Johnson(3?) - Kadri(55) - Kapanen(9)
Ennis(22) - Lindholm(?) - Brown(28)

Reilly(52, -4) - Hainsey(23, + 12)
Gardner(52, +9) - Zaitsev(13, +8)
Dermott(13, +16) - Carrick(12, +5)

Andersen(2.81 GAA, 0.918 SV%)
Mcelhinney(2.15 GAA, 0.934 SV%?)
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

k

Sooooo what tier are you on Fortnite?
- Burkefection

Dunno. I played it for first 3 seasons but got bored and moved on. It was something i really only played with my coworkers.

Tavares is a real difference maker, he makes it very close.

It will be interesting if tampa decides to go all in on Karlsson.

Which they totally should.
- david22

Or Tampa can just wait another year and Karlsson will come to Tampa as an UFA and Yzerman won't have to give up any assets to get his rights. The thing is, Tampa wants Karlsson, but they don't *need* him this coming season. They are stacked to make a deep run with or without Karlsson.

Or Tampa can just wait another year and Karlsson will come to Tampa as an UFA and Yzerman won't have to give up any assets to get his rights. The thing is, Tampa wants Karlsson, but they don't *need* him this coming season. They are stacked to make a deep run with or without Karlsson.
- GalacticStone

Much easier to sign him if he is already yours. He could very well sign with a number of other teams too...

TB defense is crazy stacked either way.

The real window lickers are the ones who can't see the legitimacy of my original comment. Toronto's rise was much faster than Tampa's rise. Tampa's core is plateaued with the exception of maybe Brayden Point and Sergachev. Kucherov is not going to magically be a 120 point player. Stamkos isn't magically going to become an iron man. Hedman is not going to keep getting better with age.

The difference between the two teams is that Toronto just broke a franchise record for points in a season last year. And these kids haven't even hit their prime yet. They are going to get better. Really think about that for a second. Let that sink in. THESE KIDS ARE GOING TO GET BETTER

That's a scary thought if you are any other team in the division and in the conference. They are a tough match up for any team.

Also, someone made the comment about cap space earlier. They have almost 20M remaining in cap space after they move Horton to LTIR. This team who is already better than Tampa is going to get EVEN BETTER. Ignore the fact that I am a Leafs fan for a minute and look at the reality of the situation. The Bolts were the better team last year, i'll give you that. But this is a very different set of circumstances this year.
- Snowman X

With cap space, you are obviously not accounting for the huge contracts the Leafs are going to start handing out very soon. Drafting well means big contracts later. Hard roster decisions will be coming for the Leafs, and sooner rather than later.

Well, the likelihood of that being true re: your many detractors vs. the likelihood of your single derangement is pretty stilted.

Also, lulz... u triggered bro?
- OzBolts

So triggered. Look at me lose sleep over what a bunch of no knowledge armchair hockey gurus think lol

With cap space, you are obviously not accounting for the huge contracts the Leafs are going to start handing out very soon. Drafting well means big contracts later. Hard roster decisions will be coming for the Leafs, and sooner rather than later.
- GalacticStone

Like the ones Tampa had to hand out to Stamkos, Hedman, Kucherov and McDounagh? hmm.. wonder how Toronto will manage that...

Is Tampa not the Sharks of the east right now? What have they won? Not saying Leafs are better than Tampa but if we're looking at both teams on paper its very very close. Forwards goes to the leafs, Defense goes to Tampa and goalie is a wash. Vas was only good till Februrary, like Freddie was only good from November.
- Burkefection

They have won a lot more than the Leaf's have. If Tampa continues to win and make to the playoffs without winning the Cup for another 5 years then maybe the will become the Sharks. Who cares about "on paper" is my point. They have to advance in to playoffs before anyone can call them a true contender. I think they will be a legit team for years to come but I'm not ready to put them in the top 3 in the East yet.

They have won a lot more than the Leaf's have. If Tampa continues to win and make to the playoffs without winning the Cup for another 5 years then maybe the will become the Sharks. Who cares about "on paper" is my point. They have to advance in to playoffs before anyone can call them a true contender. I think they will be a legit team for years to come but I'm not ready to put them in the top 3 in the East yet.
- Mino42

That's funny considering they WERE in fact a top 3 team in the East.

So triggered. Look at me lose sleep over what a bunch of no knowledge armchair hockey gurus think lol
- Snowman X

Don't make me post another image of a mirror again, you have been warned.

Sooooo what tier are you on Fortnite?
- Burkefection

They should rename Fortnite to Leafnite, there is always someone talking about how much better they are then you. Then shoot them in the face with a shotgun and they continue to justify how they are still better.

He isnt wrong

Points In Brackets
* Major injury that affected play
? Less than 25 games

Flyers:

Giroux(102) - Couturier(76) - Konecny(47)
JVR(54) - Patrick(30*) - Voracek(85)
Lindblom(6?) - Laughton(20) - Simmonds(46*)
Raffl(22) - Weal(21) - Leier(5?)

Provorov(41, +17) -Ghost(65, +10)
AMac(21, +8) - Gudas(16, +0)
Hagg(9, +5 ) - Sanheim(10, -6)

Elliot(2.66 GAA, 0.909 SV%)
Neuvirth(2.60 GAA, 0.915 SV%?)

Toronto:

Marleau(47) - Matthews(63*) - Nylander(61)
Hyman(40) - Tavares(84) - Marner(69)
Johnson(3?) - Kadri(55) - Kapanen(9)
Ennis(22) - Lindholm(?) - Brown(28)

Reilly(52, -4) - Hainsey(23, + 12)
Gardner(52, +9) - Zaitsev(13, +8)
Dermott(13, +16) - Carrick(12, +5)

Andersen(2.81 GAA, 0.918 SV%)
Mcelhinney(2.15 GAA, 0.934 SV%?)
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

If Philly manages to get decent goaltending one day (PROBABLY WHEN PIGS FLY LOLZ) , they could be a seriously good team imo.

If Philly manages to get decent goaltending one day (PROBABLY WHEN PIGS FLY LOLZ) , they could be a seriously good team imo.
- Scabeh

Lots of ifs and coulds and woulds, but Philly has a couple outstanding prospects in Hart and Sandstrom.

To put it in perspective, Hart is better than Carey Price at the same age. Doesn't mean he will be better, but the potential is very good.

That's funny considering they WERE in fact a top 3 team in the East.
- Snowman X

Yeah I'm talking about the top 3 teams that have a chance to make it out of the east. Not regular season point totals. Oh and you asked to name one team that matches up with the Leaf's at center? Pens have a better center core top to bottom and it isn't even close. I agree with everyone else on here.

Yeah I'm talking about the top 3 teams that have a chance to make it out of the east. Not regular season point totals. Oh and you asked to name one team that matches up with the Leaf's at center? Pens have a better center core top to bottom and it isn't even close. I agree with everyone else on here.
- Mino42

Who is this 3rd line 30 goal C that Pittsburgh has?

So triggered. Look at me lose sleep over what a bunch of no knowledge armchair hockey gurus think lol
- Snowman X

Yep

Who is this 3rd line 30 goal C that Pittsburgh has?
- Snowman X

Maybe they meant that Kessel guy, who is considered the best 40 goal scorer to never score 40 goals in Toronto.