Depends on how you define toughness. They didn’t lose to CBJ because they were outhit. They had trouble working through the neutral zone, they had trouble finishing and Jones was all over Matthews. Having Nylander or Simmonds pound on guys wasn’t going to change that.

Nobody truculated Gardner or Phaneuf into bad pinches against Boston. Those were mental mistakes. I’ll be happy to see Foligno throw some hits but I’ll be happier to see them all fight through their checks, hold onto the puck a bit longer even if they’re going to be hit and get to the tough areas when refs let a lot more poop happen.
- Canada Cup

I really don’t take much stock into last years playoffs.

I take things here and there but as a whole I don’t really think much about it.

If they ever have to have a 6 month layoff my confidence will be low that they will be able to pick up their games fast...that’s about all I took from last year.

Depends on how you define toughness. They didn’t lose to CBJ because they were outhit. They had trouble working through the neutral zone, they had trouble finishing and Jones was all over Matthews. Having Nylander or Simmonds pound on guys wasn’t going to change that.

Nobody truculated Gardner or Phaneuf into bad pinches against Boston. Those were mental mistakes. I’ll be happy to see Foligno throw some hits but I’ll be happier to see them all fight through their checks, hold onto the puck a bit longer even if they’re going to be hit and get to the tough areas when refs let a lot more poop happen.
- Canada Cup

That's what I mean by toughness - work. Sure, having some guys who make it a bit unpleasant to play against, who make the front of the net, the neutral zone or the boards a less fun place to be is great - but the truth is exactly what you said above.

The Leafs haven't faced a true trap team this year - like the Islanders, Hurricanes, or last year's Jackets who so effectively clog the neutral zone and play a counter punch style. Now, first thing is on the defensive side of the puck, the Leafs aren't as committed to offense, so the counter punch won't as glaringly effective as it was last year, but the best way to stop a counter punch team is to break through the trap, and then win battles. The last couple of years I didn't think the Leafs were constructed to do this. This year could be different.

I think the Leafs are pretty well built to manage head-to-head with any open offensive style - even Tampa - but they are very likely to run into someone who shuts down the flow of the game, and they are going to have to work and fight their way through it. That will be test of where their forwards are.

exploratory results.
different vaccine platform.
and still potentially supporting the suggestion to go for worldwide 1 dose vs 2doses in rich countries first and then a year later to LMICs.
- MaximusAurelius

Good lord

WTF are you talking about. "Exploratory Results".

It was a study. AZ was more effective 12 weeks between doses than 6 weeks. That study has also been referenced by Dr. Bogoch, whom I trust a F of a lot more than I trust you.

I also don't give a poop about different vaccine platform because I was not commenting on ANY other vaccine, mRNA or otherwise.

for next season:

Hyman - Matthews - Marner
Galchenyuk - Tavares - ??
Robertson - Engvall - Mikheyev
?? - Brooks - ??

Kerfoot and Nylander traded.

3 wingers still needed - not sure what will happen with Thornton, Spezza, Simmonds, but 1 or 2 will be back.
- MaximusAurelius

This depends on a lot of things. If they have playoff success, then maybe little is changed. Kerfoot isn't earning is $3.5, so he might be moved, but that depends on the return, and if they really believe he can be better and has been stunted by lack of opportunity and role consistency. Nylander depends on what opportunities lay in free agency or through trade avenues. If you can get fair market value for him, and there's a good reason to move him (like upgrading the D, or providing more cap flexibility for upgrade options), then perhaps you do it.

As for Spezza, Thornton, and Simmonds: I'd bring back Spezza. The other two offer little value other than their motivational presence.

could we at least fire Dubas though ...?


- MaximusAurelius

You're the only Leafs fan I know who wants Keefe and Dubas fired.

We need Howie Berger back here
- Canada Cup

Howie Booger! Maybe Muzzin can die again and Mike in Basement can do a LIVE show from Howie's funeral home.

That's what I mean by toughness - work. Sure, having some guys who make it a bit unpleasant to play against, who make the front of the net, the neutral zone or the boards a less fun place to be is great - but the truth is exactly what you said above.

The Leafs haven't faced a true trap team this year - like the Islanders, Hurricanes, or last year's Jackets who so effectively clog the neutral zone and play a counter punch style. Now, first thing is on the defensive side of the puck, the Leafs aren't as committed to offense, so the counter punch won't as glaringly effective as it was last year, but the best way to stop a counter punch team is to break through the trap, and then win battles. The last couple of years I didn't think the Leafs were constructed to do this. This year could be different.

I think the Leafs are pretty well built to manage head-to-head with any open offensive style - even Tampa - but they are very likely to run into someone who shuts down the flow of the game, and they are going to have to work and fight their way through it. That will be test of where their forwards are.
- Monkeypunk

Actually I think teams, especially Montreal, did try to emulate CBJ and clog up the middle. The Leafs have done a much better job of being on the right side of the puck in all areas of the ice. That’s one key reason their GAs are down.

They do play differently. They need to work through this when everything ramps up in the playoffs

You're the only Leafs fan I know who wants Dubas fired.
- gergeswillems

Regardless of what Max thinks and writes, he is not a Leafs fan.

I should have wrote...BECAUSE of what Max thinks and writes....

Depends on how you define toughness. They didn’t lose to CBJ because they were outhit. They had trouble working through the neutral zone, they had trouble finishing and Jones was all over Matthews. Having Nylander or Simmonds pound on guys wasn’t going to change that.

Nobody truculated Gardner or Phaneuf into bad pinches against Boston. Those were mental mistakes. I’ll be happy to see Foligno throw some hits but I’ll be happier to see them all fight through their checks, hold onto the puck a bit longer even if they’re going to be hit and get to the tough areas when refs let a lot more poop happen.
- Canada Cup

CBJ gave us very little space around their net...sticks were mostly tied up and 5 bodies clogging the hash marks. We had chances but they were weak for the most. Even a goal or 2 that we did score 5v5 were weak/lucky goals. Torts at work....

Regardless of what Max thinks and writes, he is not a Leafs fan.
- Woderwick

You might be right about that.

CBJ gave us very little space around their net...sticks were mostly tied up and 5 bodies clogging the hash marks. We had chances but they were weak for the most. Even a goal or 2 that we did score 5v5 were weak/lucky goals. Torts at work....
- Garnie

Advantage Leafs. Ducharme isn't half the coach Torts is.

You're the only Leafs fan I know who wants Keefe and Dubas fired.
- gergeswillems

So you haven't been on twitter eh?

So you haven't been on twitter eh?
- AdamFrench

No. I've seen what Twitter has done to Roger.

No. I've seen what Twitter has done to Roger.
- gergeswillems

*somebody post the Richardcycle*

Advantage Leafs. Ducharme isn't half the coach Torts is.
- gergeswillems

I think we should be fine, a little worried if they have Price - Danault - Weber and Gallagher back....but still advantage Leafs 🥰

*somebody post the Richardcycle*
- AdamFrench

*somebody post the Richardcycle*
- AdamFrench

- Garnie

Engvall really needs to wear a helmet - set an example for the kids.

I think we should be fine, a little worried if they have Price - Danault - Weber and Gallagher back....but still advantage Leafs 🥰
- Garnie

If Montreal loses tonight, this is going to get very, very interesting.

Engvall really needs to wear a helmet - set an example for the kids.
- Atomic Wedgie

He’s on a 3 game scoring spree, he don’t give a (frank). 🤣

If Montreal loses tonight, this is going to get very, very interesting.
- Atomic Wedgie

They can’t miss? What do you mean?

- 21peter

What terrible early 1980s TV show is this from?

He’s on a 3 game scoring spree, he don’t give a (frank). 🤣
- Garnie

His neck wouldn’t be so long if his head was closer to his body.

They can’t miss? What do you mean?
- Garnie

Not sure if you are being sarcastic or not...

I'm assuming you are just harassing Scabby with this.

So good work.