They also have 35 less goals...when they don’t have that superstar that can hurt you on the score sheet they’ll suffer. Leafs played the islanders 100 percent better this season when the realized they just had to be patient too.

Leafs can’t always run and gun but stick to their system and they should win because when the opportunities come they have more game changers.
- bryant

Yeah they do have less goals but they're a wild card team. They had fewer goals than Tampa Bay too but still swept them. That's on Torts and on the players being hard workers. The Leafs coaching and work ethic isn't on that level. They live and die on their young offensive firepower. If they can't win 6-5, they golf and that's how the playoffs have been going for them.

No, no they don't. Just because people want to watch it doesn't mean they must provide the product.

If the league closes up shop this season that will NOT be the end of the NHL. Get a grip.
- mjones242

If they're a business that wants to make money, yes, they do. It keeps them generating revenue and it keeps their fans happy.

Nobody said they'll go out of business.

But there's no reason why they can't conduct business if they can. Which they can and they should.

Andersen has proven to be an inconsistent goaltender who hasn't shown that he can carry the team on his back.

The team does need stellar goalie. Andy is not the answer.
- mjones242

If you need the best or 2nd best goalie in the league to win a lot, then it’s time to look deeper. IMO

If you need the best or 2nd best goalie in the league to win a lot, then it’s time to look deeper. IMO
- Garnie

Great point.

Everybody wants to have the best goalie they can get but realistically, how often does the best goalie during the season win the Cup that same season? How many Vezina + Cup seasons are there in recent history? Thomas in 2011 and Brodeur in 2003 are the only ones in the past 20 seasons. Both cases had teams in front of them that were very capable defensively, especially the New Jersey Devils.

Playing so poorly that you need a goalie to stand on his head every single game is not a usual recipe to win a Cup.

The NHL can survive without the playoffs this year. They've survived in the past, they can do it again.

They don't "need" to do anything.
- mjones242

Not your money & so easy to say lol

I had Pizza Hut today for lunch.

One was deluxe and I despise olives, but I was so hungry they were actually not bad.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Not a fan of the Hut. Not gonna lie.

This is true of many Finnish people. I like to consider myself among them but slowing down now in my mid 30s... ain't what she used to be that's for sure.

Actually you know what I can still drink 30 beers in a day, but I regret it way more the next day than I used to. That's the difference.
- TheMussel

Few years back a Finnish dude rolled up to my buddy's cottage. Chill as (frank) and also wasted/stoned literally the entire time.

His name was Tuuka.

If you need the best or 2nd best goalie in the league to win a lot, then it’s time to look deeper. IMO
- Garnie

The Leafs issues are deeper than just goaltending, but having a good goalie can give the defense the confidence they need. Andersen needs to be consistently good every night, he can't have poor performances and hope the Leafs can score 5 goals a game.

No.
- mjones242

I'd put Freddy right after Matthews on my most important layers list.

Matthews
Freddy
Rielly
Snakevares
Marner
Bill Ny

I'd put Freddy right after Matthews on my most important layers list.

Matthews
Freddy
Rielly
Snakevares
Marner
Bill Ny
- GreatGigInTheSky

I'd add in Muzzin

CBJ has the same points & had more injuries. Torts will have them playing a tough PO brand of hockey. Should be a very good series.
- Nighthawk

Did they actually have more injuries? Legit question. 'Cause the Leafs were among the league leaders in man games lost to important players. Not including Rielly playing literally every game injured.

Considering the leafs almost had an identical record/PT% with half of CBJ’s NHL team....

Fully healthy Jackets in 4
- FinnGod

He is a below average starter this year.
- Aetherial

I'd say he wasn't his usual but the team being hurt and also being pathetic defensively hurt him.

I'd add in Muzzin
- PatC80

I don't disagree. Muzzin was/is fantastic and needed on this team.

I'd put him and Hyman, arguably tied, right after my list.

Did they actually have more injuries? Legit question. 'Cause the Leafs were among the league leaders in man games lost to important players. Not including Rielly playing literally every game injured.
- GreatGigInTheSky

Atkinson Jones & Murray all had significant games missed.

Did they actually have more injuries? Legit question. 'Cause the Leafs were among the league leaders in man games lost to important players. Not including Rielly playing literally every game injured.
- GreatGigInTheSky

CBJ was missing Korpisalo, Anderson, Jones, and Werenski. They also had a lot of injuries to other forwards like Bjorkstrand

I'd say he wasn't his usual but the team being hurt and also being pathetic defensively hurt him.
- GreatGigInTheSky

States there is a depth issue. It’s more critical come PO time.

CBJ was missing Korpisalo, Anderson, Jones, and Werenski. They also had a lot of injuries to other forwards like Bjorkstrand
- PatC80

Still somehow managed to play very good D. Coaching & the work ethic say no more.

Still somehow managed to play very good D. Coaching & the work ethic say no more.
- Nighthawk

Maybe, but I still think the Leafs could beat CBJ in a best of 5

Maybe, but I still think the Leafs could beat CBJ in a best of 5
- PatC80

There is no maybe to it. Either could win it’s close. Let the games begin.

Atkinson Jones & Murray all had significant games missed.
- Nighthawk

OK. So one and a half good players.

Tavares missed- 7 games and played a decent amount hurt with a broken hand

Rielly missed- 23 games and played literally all the rest injured

Marner missed- 11 games

Hyman missed- 19 games, 21 goals despite that

Muzzin missed- 17 games

Let me know when Columbus equals that.

States there is a depth issue. It’s more critical come PO time.
- Nighthawk

States there's a huge injury issue. Leafs didn't play even close to a healthy roster all season.

Maybe, but I still think the Leafs could beat CBJ in a best of 5
- PatC80

Easily, in my opinion.

Easily, in my opinion.
- GreatGigInTheSky

Leafs in 4..

Leafs in 4..
- PatC80