Hope so, and couple that with any of his teammates with facial hair…. LL will just love that lol
- Dozzer

Interesting that the Habs will likely be eliminated from playoff qualification in February, it may be March before the Sens are eliminated.

If we take 97 points as the required number of points to get in, Montreal will be eliminated with 5 more losses, Ottawa will be eliminated with 13 more losses. Sadly, the Islanders are still 17 losses away from their tragic number.

Leafs will qualify if they win 23 or their remaining 45 games.

Good times.

Pierre LeBrun
The Stanley Cup playoffs if they started today, based on points percentage:
@PierreVLeBrun
'Canes, M1 (.750) vs Caps, WC2 (.646)
Panthers, A1 (.738) vs Bruins, WC1 (.649)
Lightning, A2 (.720) vs Leafs, A3 (.689)
NYR, M2 (.700) vs. Pens, M3 (.679)

ho hum, just a 1st round matchup against the 2 time cup champs after the leafs (probably) put up the most points in team history.

maybe next year is our year!!!

I cant help but again harp on (cry) about how much of a missed op it was last season. this team

ho hum, just a 1st round matchup against the 2 time cup champs after the leafs (probably) put up the most points in team history.

maybe next year is our year!!!

I cant help but again harp on (cry) about how much of a missed op it was last season. this team
- senstroll

Maybe we have a chance against Tampa? They gotta be tired of always winning

I can see paradise by the dashboard light...
- bixll

ho hum, just a 1st round matchup against the 2 time cup champs after the leafs (probably) put up the most points in team history.

maybe next year is our year!!!

I cant help but again harp on (cry) about how much of a missed op it was last season. this team
- senstroll

Should be fun, we know that at least one or two of the top 5 players on Tampa will be very well rested as they wait on LTIR to allow for several TDL acquisitions.

ho hum, just a 1st round matchup against the 2 time cup champs after the leafs (probably) put up the most points in team history.

maybe next year is our year!!!

I cant help but again harp on (cry) about how much of a missed op it was last season. this team
- senstroll

That’s probably why Keefe wants to win the division.

They’ve been iffy the last few games. Hopefully they get it sorted because it’s nothing new when at this point of the season the games start getting tougher.
- Dozzer

First, you're absolutely right in my opinion that this is where the team starts to face adversity and needs to change gears and go with the flow of other teams who are pressing. This will be a test for them.

In the past several games, they haven't been all there - and not many teams have - with injuries and COVID, it starts to put pressure in other areas - whether it's missing Marner, Holl, Muzzin, Kase, Engvall, etc. - it forces different people up or down the lineup and changes the chemistry and the matchups.

They won't be all healthy in the playoffs either, so they have to learn to adapt to these situations and roll with them, but if we want to be objective about the Leafs since the start of January?

Jan 1: Demolished Ottawa 6-0. The score wasn't close, and neither was the game. The Leafs dominated that game from start to finish.

Jan 5: Beat Edmonton 4-2. The Leafs controlled most of the game, but given that Edmonton didn't have McDavid, you would have liked to see more control from Toronto, fewer shots and HD chances given up, but they were still the noticeably better team.

Jan 8: Lost to Colorado 5-4. Let's face it, if Kuemper doesn't poop the bed, this one looks way worse. Colorado is on a tear, and they played like it. We had a big lead that we didn't deserve, and as is the way of the Leaf, the Hockey Gods ensured that their lack of effort was paid back. Lucky to get a point.

Jan 11: Beat Vegas 4-3. It was a close game. We probably didn't really deserve to win. I think Vegas outplayed us and physically imposed themselves in some areas. It was one of the games that exposed the weakness on the back-end.

Jan 12: Lose to Phoenix 2-1. Seriously. We should have won this game 6 or 7 to 2. There were screens. There were deflections. I saw us lamenting how we weren't going to the blue paint and taking away his eyes, but we were. Some games it just doesn't work out. Vejmelka, I believe his name is, deserves full marks for that game. I don't even think it's fair to call out Mrazek, because he was what you want him to be.

Jan 15: Beat St. Louis 6-5. We were the better team. We deserved the win. Goaltending was not good on either side. Certainly at times the Blues got physical - not hitting, but just using size and strength - and imposed themselves in places and that definitely helped them.

Jan 19: Lose to Rangers 6-3. The world has ended, and the wheels have come off. This one is funny because in many ways the Leafs had the opportunities to win this game similarly to the Blues game, but Shesterkin was capable and stopped it from happening. The Rangers, like the Blues, had their big bodies push through the D, and push around the forwards and the Leafs didn't compete physically back.

So if you look at that run, their play should have been 5-2 - they controlled the play and controlled the chances and had a few breakdowns here and there, but some good goaltending showed up and it changes things a bit. But there is one thing that's consistent and it's why the narrative comes back at us over and over: When other teams use their physical size and strength (it doesn't even have to be hitting - just pushing through smaller players, like Reaves did), the Leafs are inadequate to control that play. The Blues, Knights, and Rangers all took advantage of it in the past 10 days.

From last nights' conversation - Holl is not as good as Sandin or Liljegren, we can agree, but Holl is big and he can stifle a big body pushing through. Sandin and Liljegren simply can't. It's why Holl can be effective in a shut down role. It's why Muzzin typically is. Not having Holl and Muzzin against the Rangers definitely hurt us.

But it creates some visibility and emphasis and needing to get someone with strength and size for the playoffs.

ho hum, just a 1st round matchup against the 2 time cup champs after the leafs (probably) put up the most points in team history.

maybe next year is our year!!!

I cant help but again harp on (cry) about how much of a missed op it was last season. this team
- senstroll

To be fair, looking at that top 8.

Not alot of weak teams to feed off on.

First, you're absolutely right in my opinion that this is where the team starts to face adversity and needs to change gears and go with the flow of other teams who are pressing. This will be a test for them.

In the past several games, they haven't been all there - and not many teams have - with injuries and COVID, it starts to put pressure in other areas - whether it's missing Marner, Holl, Muzzin, Kase, Engvall, etc. - it forces different people up or down the lineup and changes the chemistry and the matchups.

They won't be all healthy in the playoffs either, so they have to learn to adapt to these situations and roll with them, but if we want to be objective about the Leafs since the start of January?

Jan 1: Demolished Ottawa 6-0. The score wasn't close, and neither was the game. The Leafs dominated that game from start to finish.

Jan 5: Beat Edmonton 4-2. The Leafs controlled most of the game, but given that Edmonton didn't have McDavid, you would have liked to see more control from Toronto, fewer shots and HD chances given up, but they were still the noticeably better team.

Jan 8: Lost to Colorado 5-4. Let's face it, if Kuemper doesn't poop the bed, this one looks way worse. Colorado is on a tear, and they played like it. We had a big lead that we didn't deserve, and as is the way of the Leaf, the Hockey Gods ensured that their lack of effort was paid back. Lucky to get a point.

Jan 11: Beat Vegas 4-3. It was a close game. We probably didn't really deserve to win. I think Vegas outplayed us and physically imposed themselves in some areas. It was one of the games that exposed the weakness on the back-end.

Jan 12: Lose to Phoenix 2-1. Seriously. We should have won this game 6 or 7 to 2. There were screens. There were deflections. I saw us lamenting how we weren't going to the blue paint and taking away his eyes, but we were. Some games it just doesn't work out. Vejmelka, I believe his name is, deserves full marks for that game. I don't even think it's fair to call out Mrazek, because he was what you want him to be.

Jan 15: Beat St. Louis 6-5. We were the better team. We deserved the win. Goaltending was not good on either side. Certainly at times the Blues got physical - not hitting, but just using size and strength - and imposed themselves in places and that definitely helped them.

Jan 19: Lose to Rangers 6-3. The world has ended, and the wheels have come off. This one is funny because in many ways the Leafs had the opportunities to win this game similarly to the Blues game, but Shesterkin was capable and stopped it from happening. The Rangers, like the Blues, had their big bodies push through the D, and push around the forwards and the Leafs didn't compete physically back.

So if you look at that run, their play should have been 5-2 - they controlled the play and controlled the chances and had a few breakdowns here and there, but some good goaltending showed up and it changes things a bit. But there is one thing that's consistent and it's why the narrative comes back at us over and over: When other teams use their physical size and strength (it doesn't even have to be hitting - just pushing through smaller players, like Reaves did), the Leafs are inadequate to control that play. The Blues, Knights, and Rangers all took advantage of it in the past 10 days.

From last nights' conversation - Holl is not as good as Sandin or Liljegren, we can agree, but Holl is big and he can stifle a big body pushing through. Sandin and Liljegren simply can't. It's why Holl can be effective in a shut down role. It's why Muzzin typically is. Not having Holl and Muzzin against the Rangers definitely hurt us.

But it creates some visibility and emphasis and needing to get someone with strength and size for the playoffs.
- Monkeypunk

My boy Ben Chiarot would help.

It was definitely the pollen:

https://twitter.com/CBSLA...tatus/1484279564423483395
- Atomic Wedgie

I don't want to brag, but that's how I play GTA.

That’s probably why Keefe wants to win the division.
- bryant

I want to win lotto max

My boy Ben Chiarot would help.
- Scabeh

He absolutely would. I mean, I hate Ristolainen, but if holding isn't called in the playoffs, then he can do what he's good at: Be large, stand still, and hold people. You need a blend of puck movers offset with some strength. You don't even need to be mean. You just need to be strong enough to not be overwhelmed every time someone over 200lbs decides to push through you.

To be fair, looking at that top 8.

Not alot of weak teams to feed off on.
- Scabeh

this is true

although, I think my #1 choice to not play is TB...so we will see

this is true

although, I think my #1 choice to not play is TB...so we will see
- senstroll

Oh you want to avoid these bastards at all costs for sure.

They are weaker than they were.... but they are still a formidable hockey team.

My boy Ben Chiarot would help.
- Scabeh

gross

looking at the Habs there is a few players I wouldn't mind, but dont want the contract that comes with them

First, you're absolutely right in my opinion that this is where the team starts to face adversity and needs to change gears and go with the flow of other teams who are pressing. This will be a test for them.

In the past several games, they haven't been all there - and not many teams have - with injuries and COVID, it starts to put pressure in other areas - whether it's missing Marner, Holl, Muzzin, Kase, Engvall, etc. - it forces different people up or down the lineup and changes the chemistry and the matchups.

They won't be all healthy in the playoffs either, so they have to learn to adapt to these situations and roll with them, but if we want to be objective about the Leafs since the start of January?

Jan 1: Demolished Ottawa 6-0. The score wasn't close, and neither was the game. The Leafs dominated that game from start to finish.

Jan 5: Beat Edmonton 4-2. The Leafs controlled most of the game, but given that Edmonton didn't have McDavid, you would have liked to see more control from Toronto, fewer shots and HD chances given up, but they were still the noticeably better team.

Jan 8: Lost to Colorado 5-4. Let's face it, if Kuemper doesn't poop the bed, this one looks way worse. Colorado is on a tear, and they played like it. We had a big lead that we didn't deserve, and as is the way of the Leaf, the Hockey Gods ensured that their lack of effort was paid back. Lucky to get a point.

Jan 11: Beat Vegas 4-3. It was a close game. We probably didn't really deserve to win. I think Vegas outplayed us and physically imposed themselves in some areas. It was one of the games that exposed the weakness on the back-end.

Jan 12: Lose to Phoenix 2-1. Seriously. We should have won this game 6 or 7 to 2. There were screens. There were deflections. I saw us lamenting how we weren't going to the blue paint and taking away his eyes, but we were. Some games it just doesn't work out. Vejmelka, I believe his name is, deserves full marks for that game. I don't even think it's fair to call out Mrazek, because he was what you want him to be.

Jan 15: Beat St. Louis 6-5. We were the better team. We deserved the win. Goaltending was not good on either side. Certainly at times the Blues got physical - not hitting, but just using size and strength - and imposed themselves in places and that definitely helped them.

Jan 19: Lose to Rangers 6-3. The world has ended, and the wheels have come off. This one is funny because in many ways the Leafs had the opportunities to win this game similarly to the Blues game, but Shesterkin was capable and stopped it from happening. The Rangers, like the Blues, had their big bodies push through the D, and push around the forwards and the Leafs didn't compete physically back.

So if you look at that run, their play should have been 5-2 - they controlled the play and controlled the chances and had a few breakdowns here and there, but some good goaltending showed up and it changes things a bit. But there is one thing that's consistent and it's why the narrative comes back at us over and over: When other teams use their physical size and strength (it doesn't even have to be hitting - just pushing through smaller players, like Reaves did), the Leafs are inadequate to control that play. The Blues, Knights, and Rangers all took advantage of it in the past 10 days.

From last nights' conversation - Holl is not as good as Sandin or Liljegren, we can agree, but Holl is big and he can stifle a big body pushing through. Sandin and Liljegren simply can't. It's why Holl can be effective in a shut down role. It's why Muzzin typically is. Not having Holl and Muzzin against the Rangers definitely hurt us.

But it creates some visibility and emphasis and needing to get someone with strength and size for the playoffs.
- Monkeypunk

The bolded highly depends on what aspect of defensive play you’re commenting on… moving the puck, positioning, and skating sure, but shutting the opposition offence down and hitting guys even if it’s just to bump them off the puck it’s Holl. When it comes to players like Holl you can see the opposition offence pass the puck or dump it a whole lot more than the one on one’s they’ll attempt against Sandin on Liljegren

gross

looking at the Habs there is a few players I wouldn't mind, but dont want the contract that comes with them
- senstroll

Bad contracts don't matter if you win.

Sadly, we didn't win.... we just came close.

I wonder who the oilers will get for a goalie…

I mean they have to get one in the next couple days here.

Mrazek for oilers 1st
- bryant

I like it.

They'll lottery protect it so we won't get it this season but next season, if/when Edmonton fails again; Connor Bedard female doges!

The bolded highly depends on what aspect of defensive play you’re commenting on… moving the puck, positioning, and skating sure, but shutting the opposition offence down and hitting guys even if it’s just to bump them off the puck it’s Holl. When it comes to players like Holl you can see the opposition offence pass the puck or dump it a whole lot more than the one on one’s they’ll attempt against Sandin on Liljegren
- Dozzer

I'd already babbled so much I didn't want to keep expounding at that point - but that's basically what I was saying, too. Sometimes size is all you need. Liljegren and Sandin both think and process the game faster and typically make faster and more confident decisions with the puck. They are puck moving guys, so that's their thing. Because neither is particularly big, most of their defensive decisions would logically rely on body position to try and get their stick to puck while creating a physical obstruction to the net. The problem is that when I watch a lot of these guys, the angle they take is more stick than body allowing for large guys to just plow through them. Holl is a guy who is slower, so that's a problem, but in terms of playing a guy down low, will insert himself physically in the way which helps against guys like Reaves.

Reaves is great at what he does, but what we does isn't typically score goals. If you physically get in his way, you have a decent chance of drawing a penalty. If you just dangle in a poke check, you're letting a big physical guy plow past your twig and grind to the net. Lucic, Bertuzzi, and others without a ton of a skill before Reaves have all made great livings off of the same thing.

I want to win lotto max
- senstroll

Sorry, I already called dibs.

Sorry, I already called dibs.
- GreatGigInTheSky

how many years and how many dollars on lottery tickets and this is all I had to do?

ho hum, just a 1st round matchup against the 2 time cup champs after the leafs (probably) put up the most points in team history.

maybe next year is our year!!!

I cant help but again harp on (cry) about how much of a missed op it was last season. this team
- senstroll

the season isnt even half over yet

So are the Oilers fans still thanking the Leafs for Hyman and loving Ceci/Barrie?

So are the Oilers fans still thanking the Leafs for Hyman and loving Ceci/Barrie?
- Archaic

I'll never understand the Ceci signing.
Barrie, I get it...needed a puck moving dman. He's on for 40pts, not bad.

Luke Schenn reunion?

Dermott for Schenn and a pick

Mirtle suggests something like this happening soon