Yeah. Right now the team's problems are not the absence of Hyman and the presence of Kampf, Kase and Bunting (and Ritchie). The problems are as simple as Marner, Tavares, Muzzin, Holl, Brodie and Kerfoot aren't going while Matthews is not quite there yet. Most of these things are going to come around.

I mean for all the people complaining: Hyman was going to have a decent year. He's still in his prime years and he's playing with McDavid on the PP. Expect 3-4 years of Hyman being an excellent contributor in Edmonton. It's the last 3-4 years of that contract that are likely problematic. As my Oiler friend says, "I love him now; I'll hate him later if I have to."

Andersen was likely going to be okay in Carolina: This is a team that plays defense so well, it managed to stave off a (albeit unmotivated and weak) Leaf team with a zamboni driver in net. I'd like to think he could be at least that good. Realistically, and I've said it before - Andersen was done in Toronto. Whether he's good or bad was irrelevant - he was done HERE. Emotionally, mentally . . . done.

So it's not about those players leaving. It's about the team's best players not performing. And even with that, they are 2-2-1. Imagine watching Tampa and having Kucherov, Stamkos, Point and Hedman all playing sub-par at the same time. Or Edmonton with Draisaitl, McDavid, Nurse . . . and someone else Puljujarvi(?) not playing well. When significant parts of your players are missing in action . . .

They'll be fine.
- Monkeypunk

We could probably quibble about the list of who’s not going but I certainly agree with the analysis. My only substantive worry is whether Muzzin might have gotten old over the summer. Most other things should revert back to normal and the additions look good. No way to sugar coat the fact that Hyman is a loss

The crazy part is these 5 games haven’t even been that bad.

They are getting depth scoring, goaltending from Campbell and are limiting chances.

It’s an average start by their standards but not horrible and not really good.

These fans are insane, some seriously need a break from hockey.
- Santo_44

And they didn't have Matthews for 3 games. People need to go for a walk and take some chill pills.

Freddy's good start is irrelevent given Jack Campbell has been even better. This team isn't scoring. They have no finish ight now. That won't continue.

See this is where management has sold you the Blue Kool-Aid. Hyman was a massive part of the up and coming 105pt team Lou had put together.
Kyle Overpay decided those types were expendable so he could pay his friends.
He then cans the only thing keeping these kids from getting massive egos- Babcock.
Add in some bad trades and moves like Sparks, I think you have the worst Leaf GM in my lifetime still making awful decisions. You guys had Hutch play last night. Hutch is STILL THERE! That literally proves the guy doesn’t learn from his mistakes.
- DrunkenCanuck

Leafs last year were better than that 105 point team. I fully expect them to have a great chance of beating 105 points this year. That Lou D was a joke and Dubas has had to completely rebuildm it

They're 2-2-1. Tampa is 2-2 and -5. Buffalo and Detroit are both ahead of them in the standings. Let's talk at American Thanksgiving.
- Zezel

Can you answer my question on how many periods they've dominated? Are they above 50%? Below?

Are you capable of being even the remotest bit critical of this team? Are you not concerned in the least that this team may continue the trend that has cost them multiple first round exits in a row?

I don't give a (frank) about how Buffalo, Detroit, Tampa, and *insert team* is doing in the standings. I don't watch their games and I don't think they are carbon copy teams of the Leafs so they're irrelevant.

I follow my eyes and some fancy stats and I'm not seeing an appreciable difference this year from last. It's (frank)ing bonkers how this team has looked exceptionally listless at times. They have this weird systemic malaise coming out of the gate every game and I can't fathom why this is a thing.

Can you answer my question on how many periods they've dominated? Are they above 50%? Below?

Are you capable of being even the remotest bit critical of this team? Are you not concerned in the least that this team may continue the trend that has cost them multiple first round exits in a row?

I don't give a (frank) about how Buffalo, Detroit, Tampa, and whoever is doing in the standings. I don't watch their games and I don't think they are carbon copy teams of the Leafs so they're irrelevant.

I follow my eyes and some fancy stats and I'm not seeing an appreciable difference this year from last. It's (frank)ing bonkers how this team has looked exceptionally listless at times. They have this weird systemic malaise coming out of the gate every game and I can't fathom why this is a thing.
- mjones242

They are outplaying their opponents clearly...

This explains a lot. You're 13 or younger.

And that statement gives undue credit to Brian Burke, Dave Nonis and the second coming of Cliff Fletcher.
- Monkeypunk

I have literally been on Ballards Yacht. Not while he owned it, but I’ve been on it. Last time we did the Cabot Trail it was rotting away at a boat repair shop near the NFLD ferry. Add 40 years feller.

They are outplaying their opponents clearly...
- RogerRoeper

The crazy part is these 5 games haven’t even been that bad.

They are getting depth scoring, goaltending from Campbell and are limiting chances.

It’s an average start by their standards but not horrible and not really good.

These fans are insane, some seriously need a break from hockey.
- Santo_44

Which fans, Santo?

Can you answer my question on how many periods they've dominated? Are they above 50%? Below?

Are you capable of being even the remotest bit critical of this team? Are you not concerned in the least that this team may continue the trend that has cost them multiple first round exits in a row?

I don't give a (frank) about how Buffalo, Detroit, Tampa, and *insert team* is doing in the standings. I don't watch their games and I don't think they are carbon copy teams of the Leafs so they're irrelevant.

I follow my eyes and some fancy stats and I'm not seeing an appreciable difference this year from last. It's (frank)ing bonkers how this team has looked exceptionally listless at times. They have this weird systemic malaise coming out of the gate every game and I can't fathom why this is a thing.
- mjones242

They've certainly outplayed their opponents and are better than their record indicates. I'm not concerned at all about them losing in the first round. It could happen, but their chances of going on a long run are fantastic. They are clearly strong Cup contenders. I understand it's hard to be optimistic as Leaf fans because we're traumatized, but the Leafs are very good and and it's great time to be a Leafs fan.

- mjones242

You disagree? Why are they outchancing and outshooting everyone? They aren't finishing that's by far the biggest issue

They've certainly outplayed their opponents and are better than their record indicates. I'm not concerned at all about them losing in the first round. It could happen, but their chances of going on a long run are fantastic. They are clearly strong Cup contenders. I understand it's hard to be optimistic as Leaf fans because we're traumatized, but the Leafs are very good and and it's great time to be a Leafs fan.
- Zezel

How can you possible know this? We're only 5 games in, remember?

You disagree? Why are they outchancing and outshooting everyone? They aren't finishing that's by far the biggest issue
- RogerRoeper

Yes, I disagree. (sorry, I thought you were being facetious!)

If you feel the Leafs outplayed San Jose for the first two periods last night, that's your prerogative.

- Zezel

LOL is right. The beady eyed dork in the knitted sweater over there is about to outsmart the entire league and turn the game on its ear with the all skill approach.
They play most games with the mindset of an all star team. I will give him that.

LOL is right. The beady eyed dork in the knitted sweater over there is about to outsmart the entire league and turn the game on its ear with the all skill approach.
They play most games with the mindset of an all star team. I will give him that.
- DrunkenCanuck

Now, now. He's a handsome dork.

Which fans, Santo?
- mjones242

The ones that consume themselves with 5 games of average(not bad) hockey in an 82 game season that has consistently proven to have highs, lows, ups, downs, in betweens.

It’s a sign to take a break when you can’t not constantly make conclusions over 5 hockey games. Especially when those games aren’t even the lowest we will see this season.

Yes, I disagree. (sorry, I thought you were being facetious!)

If you feel the Leafs outplayed San Jose for the first two periods last night, that's your prerogative.
- mjones242

Shots suggest Leafs outchanced them

https://www.naturalstattr...2&game=20063&view=limited

How can you possible know this? We're only 5 games in, remember?
- mjones242

I think he’s learned from his time watching hockey that 5 games can be bad, good, average and not have an impact on the conclusion of the season.

That’s my hunch anyways.

LOL is right. The beady eyed dork in the knitted sweater over there is about to outsmart the entire league and turn the game on its ear with the all skill approach.
They play most games with the mindset of an all star team. I will give him that.
- DrunkenCanuck

Oh no! Not skill! Ruh roh!

How can you possible know this? We're only 5 games in, remember?
- mjones242

Just going off of when teams consistently rank high in the standings and are given among the top odds by analysts to contend, that's a sign they could go on a run.

In fact, a highly ranked team losing in the first round five times in a row is highly unusual, so I really like the odds of that switching up this year, a lot. The Leafs winning the first round is an excellent bet.

The ones that consume themselves with 5 games of average(not bad) hockey in an 82 game season that has consistently proven to have highs, lows, ups, downs, in betweens.

It’s a sign to take a break when you can’t not constantly make conclusions over 5 hockey games. Especially when those games aren’t even the lowest we will see this season.
- Santo_44

Oh, please. Just because people on a Leafs forum are being hyperbolic doesn't mean they're "consumed".

The "it's only been 5 games" narrative is a bit precious in and of itself. When can a fan passionately criticize this hockey team? After 10 games? 25 games? 73 games?

Keefe has been vocal in his displeasure of the top line and other players on the roster and he has to keep his poop together. One can imagine his vitriol behind the scenes (we've seen some of it in the recent documentary).

But yeah, one of my favourite tropes on this site are the people who tell everyone else to ostensibly calm down.

Now, now. He's a handsome dork.
- mjones242

Sure is LOL.

I felt his arrogant approach thinking he could outthink a Century of Hockey knowledge to be off putting from the start.

His record on and off the ice thus far speaks for itself.

Shots suggest Leafs outchanced them

https://www.naturalstattr...2&game=20063&view=limited
- Canada Cup

Oh, I guess those statistics tell the whole story.

My bad, I was totally wrong. The Leafs totally outplayed the Sharks in periods 1 and 2 last night.

Just going off of when teams consistently rank high in the standings and are given among the top odds by analysts to contend, that's a sign they could go on a run.

In fact, a highly ranked team losing in the first round five times in a row is highly unusual, so I really like the odds of that switching up this year, a lot. The Leafs winning the first round is an excellent bet.
- Zezel

I politely disagree with this statement and will move on.

Shots suggest Leafs outchanced them

https://www.naturalstattr...2&game=20063&view=limited
- Canada Cup

Outchanced.

That’s the word we’re using now instead of shots.

Kid gets beat up at school, “yeah dad, but don’t worry I outchanced him.”