I think I'm probably the only one who thinks Snowman isn't crazy lol.

I like what Toronto has put together. I'd say it's hard to compare the two teams because they are structured so differently.

As far as who is better? I think that it is closer than most people think it is. But that's just my opinion. I like Tampa's team, but if I had to put my money on who will have a better year this year, it would be extremely difficult to put money against Toronto... That offense...

I think I'm probably the only one who thinks Snowman isn't crazy lol.

I like what Toronto has put together. I'd say it's hard to compare the two teams because they are structured so differently.

As far as who is better? I think that it is closer than most people think it is. But that's just my opinion. I like Tampa's team, but if I had to put my money on who will have a better year this year, it would be extremely difficult to put money against Toronto... That offense...
- MikeyArms

Don't expect the clowns to respond favourably. You're a Leafs fan so nothing you say could possibly be sensible when it relates to the Leafs being successful.

Don't expect the clowns to respond favourably. You're a Leafs fan so nothing you say could possibly be sensible when it relates to the Leafs being successful.
- Snowman X

You would really enjoy the comraderie at Maple Leafs Hotstove. You should go there and discuss hockey with like-minded people.

Don't expect the clowns to respond favourably. You're a Leafs fan so nothing you say could possibly be sensible when it relates to the Leafs being successful.
- Snowman X

To be fair, you did throw the first punch in your original post. Calling everyone Leaf haters before you offer an opinion isn't going to open the minds of the readers to that opinion.. even if it is valid.

To be fair, you did throw the first punch in your original post. Calling everyone Leaf haters before you offer an opinion isn't going to open the minds of the readers to that opinion.. even if it is valid.
- MikeyArms

I guess I'm just not as sensitive as others lol

I think I'm probably the only one who thinks Snowman isn't crazy lol.

I like what Toronto has put together. I'd say it's hard to compare the two teams because they are structured so differently.

As far as who is better? I think that it is closer than most people think it is. But that's just my opinion. I like Tampa's team, but if I had to put my money on who will have a better year this year, it would be extremely difficult to put money against Toronto... That offense...
- MikeyArms

They both have the talent, the issue is going to be can Toronto gel quick enough, will they figure out the right line combinations. You can't just assume because they have talent it will all work right away so Tampa has that advantage is they didn't really change their key pieces so they already know how to play with each other. Toronto will figure it out, the players are too good and Babcock is too good but next year may not go as planned.

They both have the talent, the issue is going to be can Toronto gel quick enough, will they figure out the right line combinations. You can't just assume because they have talent it will all work right away so Tampa has that advantage is they didn't really change their key pieces so they already know how to play with each other. Toronto will figure it out, the players are too good and Babcock is too good but next year may not go as planned.
- Kucherovski

Definitely a solid argument. Can't find much fault in that. It's logical.

I guess I'm just a sucker for my team. I suppose I am biased. I've just seen too many bad Leafs teams in my lifetime. I know a good one when I see it.

Tampa really hit a home run with the Drouin for Sergachev trade though. Wow that kid is sensational.

Definitely a solid argument. Can't find much fault in that. It's logical.

I guess I'm just a sucker for my team. I suppose I am biased. I've just seen too many bad Leafs teams in my lifetime. I know a good one when I see it.

Tampa really hit a home run with the Drouin for Sergachev trade though. Wow that kid is sensational.
- MikeyArms

Exactly! This team is the best Leafs team maybe EVER. I whole heartedly believe you can win without a stacked defense if your offense is good enough.

I guess I'm just not as sensitive as others lol
- Snowman X

Exactly! This team is the best Leafs team maybe EVER. I whole heartedly believe you can win without a stacked defense if your offense is good enough.
- Snowman X

I don't like to discount the importance of defence, but I think if you can score 5 goals a game you're going to win a lot more games than you'll lose. We will have to see how it all plays out.

Like I said. I'm with you, I can see what you're trying to say. It's got some validity for sure, it's just the way you went about it. I don't think many people will take you seriously if you begin every statement with an attack.

I don't like to discount the importance of defence, but I think if you can score 5 goals a game you're going to win a lot more games than you'll lose. We will have to see how it all plays out.

Like I said. I'm with you, I can see what you're trying to say. It's got some validity for sure, it's just the way you went about it. I don't think many people will take you seriously if you begin every statement with an attack.
- MikeyArms

Unless it's the playoffs, then you get eliminated in the 1st round.

I don't like to discount the importance of defence, but I think if you can score 5 goals a game you're going to win a lot more games than you'll lose. We will have to see how it all plays out.

Like I said. I'm with you, I can see what you're trying to say. It's got some validity for sure, it's just the way you went about it. I don't think many people will take you seriously if you begin every statement with an attack.
- MikeyArms

You should be a life coach.

Jokes aside, glad to see someone else here has some sense.

Unless it's the playoffs, then you get eliminated in the 1st round.
- Glak18

To be fair, the Leafs haven't given anyone a real reason to view them as a powerhouse in the post season, but I'd suggest that it's more than likely that a team as deep as the Leafs are with regard to their offensive capabilities - also including their offense from the back end - is likely to surprise a lot of people this year. A deeper run is much more plausible than it was last year.

I think Travis Dermott is a solid two way prospect as far two way dmen go. He could be a real difference maker for Toronto as he continues to grow. This could be a pretty big year for him in terms of blossoming into a legitimate top 3 or 4 defender. I'd like to see him take some of the pressure off of Jake Gardiner because he is a lot more responsible with the puck it seems.

To be fair, the Leafs haven't given anyone a real reason to view them as a powerhouse in the post season, but I'd suggest that it's more than likely that a team as deep as the Leafs are with regard to their offensive capabilities - also including their offense from the back end - is likely to surprise a lot of people this year. A deeper run is much more plausible than it was last year.

I think Travis Dermott is a solid two way prospect as far two way dmen go. He could be a real difference maker for Toronto as he continues to grow. This could be a pretty big year for him in terms of blossoming into a legitimate top 3 or 4 defender. I'd like to see him take some of the pressure off of Jake Gardiner because he is a lot more responsible with the puck it seems.
- MikeyArms

I want to see Dermott paired up with Ozhiganov. I know that they will probably play him in the AHL to start but I think he has the chops to come into the show straight away.

To be fair, the Leafs haven't given anyone a real reason to view them as a powerhouse in the post season, but I'd suggest that it's more than likely that a team as deep as the Leafs are with regard to their offensive capabilities - also including their offense from the back end - is likely to surprise a lot of people this year. A deeper run is much more plausible than it was last year.

I think Travis Dermott is a solid two way prospect as far two way dmen go. He could be a real difference maker for Toronto as he continues to grow. This could be a pretty big year for him in terms of blossoming into a legitimate top 3 or 4 defender. I'd like to see him take some of the pressure off of Jake Gardiner because he is a lot more responsible with the puck it seems.
- MikeyArms

I know what the Leafs have, but I also watch the Flyers so we see the same thing here in Philly.

I know what the Leafs have, but I also watch the Flyers so we see the same thing here in Philly.
- Glak18

Philly has a really good core. It's a shame they couldn't have landed Grubauer from Washington. They are a goalie away from being a really good hockey club.

Still not as good as the Leafs tho

Philly has a really good core. It's a shame they couldn't have landed Grubauer from Washington. They are a goalie away from being a really good hockey club.
- Snowman X

Flyers are caught in a situation with their goaltenders, they have 2 prime prospects to take over the nets, but have to be patient while they develop. Signing or trading for a goalie last year or this year would probably be the worst thing they can do unless they find a taker for Neuvirth. Both goalies are UFA after this year, so they have the option to see how Hart developed over his first pro season and whether they should sign a short term vet or hand it over to Hart.

I don't like to discount the importance of defence, but I think if you can score 5 goals a game you're going to win a lot more games than you'll lose. We will have to see how it all plays out.
- MikeyArms

It will definitely be fun to watch them try to win that way.
I wonder if it'll work in the playoffs, though, when the opposition starts to resort to more of the old Devils' style of hockey, and the refs seemingly swallow their whistles.

Don't expect the clowns to respond favourably. You're a Leafs fan so nothing you say could possibly be sensible when it relates to the Leafs being successful.
- Snowman X

Dude, you quoted James Tanner as a source, nothing more needs to be said.

It's too bad. His blogs used to at least be entertaining, but he took the schtick a couple steps too far and it became just stupid. It used to be just his use of advanced stats was ridiculous... then he started talking about how great Jake Gardiner was, and it all went downhill.

... not to mention that you can't debate with him because he simply refuses to acknowledge any crystal clear point you make.
- Aetherial

Tanner All-Star team:

D - Gardiner
D - Rundblad
F - Panik
F - Duclair
C - Cousins
G - MSmith

HAHAHAHAHA using Tanner to back up anything is a strong case to thrown in a rubber room. Do yourself, your family and the city of Toronto a favor by deleting your account.
- Mino42

This. So (frank)ing this.

I look forward to watching them go at it in their head to head matchups this season. Once you get the Leafs and the Leafs-like😉 unis straight, the games should be a lot of fun to watch.
They are both going to be hard to beat. I see them battling it out for the division, if not the conference, title.

But, 😏will it really matter which of TB/Tor was first or second when it's Panthers vs Bruins in round two?
(😂for maximum effect here, I will say after FL, umm, shocks the Bolts in six, and Boston wins another game 7 in Toronto)

Leafs.

Because of the intangibles.

Lightning are the better team at the moment.

I think the Leafs forwards have an edge, with a strong center group.

Tampa definitely has a huge advantage with their defensemen. No one on the Leafs matches up to Hedman, and overall, Tampa's defense group is just much better.

Goaltending seems somewhat even. Maybe Vasi is slightly better, but I don't think it's a big difference. Andersen was pretty solid last year after he got over his November blues. God he sucks to start the season. After he gets into the groove though he's really solid, although he crumbled in the playoffs last year (probably a lot of the fault sits on the rest of the team for that though).

Perhaps things will change in a year or two, but at this point I think anyone being totally impartial can see that Tampa is still the better team.

P.S. Please don't lump all Leafs fans in with that Snowman dude. It's clear he's pumped up about this team and he has reason to be, but his blue & White tinted goggles (Leafs goggles, not Tampa - why do we have the same colors?! ) are causing him to go a little off the deep end here. Most Leafs fans on here are a lot more realistic about our team.