I get that the argument is that Holl helps the PK. Here's the thing, I think the PK has been worse over the last 6 weeks or so with Holl on it than it has been when he's not on it.

Change my mind (please).

The eye test tells me when he's not on his (frank)ing ass in the corner, he's standing out front with another player (who he's not clearing), effectively playing the role of big dumb screen for his goaltender. Add that to his endless string of (frank) up's and he's a big negative.

Really enjoying your balanced takes on this series and the 2 teams.

? for you - do you think Keefe potentially (because that's what it sound like is the case now) not dressing either of Clifford or Simmonds is a mistake or a good thing for Toronto as it should generate a more offensive line up top to bottom? I am interested in hearing a Tampa fan's opinion on this.
- Cush29

I'd sit Clifford and Simmonds and bring in Spezza and literally anybody else with speed and hands, even if it's a hungry rookie.

Tampa's toughness is overrated. They've only been "tough" the last two/three seasons. Cernak is the only real tough guy on the Bolts roster. Cernak is a friggin terminator unit and can throw the mits. He's not scared of anyone in the league. He's not the hardest hitter or toughest fighter in the league, but he's a good mix of both, with size and a mean streak.

Maroon and Perry act tough, but really aren't. They're agitators. Nothing to fear, but you can't get sucked into their BS.

Nobody else on the Lightning is tough in the old-school sense. The Leafs have guys with just as much edge and size, they just don't have a culture of playing heavy or dirty like the Lightning can.

I get that the argument is that Holl helps the PK. Here's the thing, I think the PK has been worse over the last 6 weeks or so with Holl on it than it has been when he's not on it.

Change my mind (please).

The eye test tells me when he's not on his (frank)ing ass in the corner, he's standing out front with another player (who he's not clearing), effectively playing the role of big dumb screen for his goaltender. Add that to his endless string of (frank) up's and he's a big negative.
- joel878

Honestly think its a mistake to play Holl over Liljegren, paired with Giordano will make that the slowest pairing. I don't get it either TBH.

I get that the argument is that Holl helps the PK. Here's the thing, I think the PK has been worse over the last 6 weeks or so with Holl on it than it has been when he's not on it.

Change my mind (please).

The eye test tells me when he's not on his (frank)ing ass in the corner, he's standing out front with another player (who he's not clearing), effectively playing the role of big dumb screen for his goaltender. Add that to his endless string of (frank) up's and he's a big negative.
- joel878

We have to believe that Keefe knows more than we do. I mean we had a great season and Holl was a regular player so he can’t be that bad, can he?

I get that the argument is that Holl helps the PK. Here's the thing, I think the PK has been worse over the last 6 weeks or so with Holl on it than it has been when he's not on it.

Change my mind (please).

The eye test tells me when he's not on his (frank)ing ass in the corner, he's standing out front with another player (who he's not clearing), effectively playing the role of big dumb screen for his goaltender. Add that to his endless string of (frank) up's and he's a big negative.
- joel878

they gave up 3 PP goals last game. Sans Holl

I'd sit Clifford and Simmonds and bring in Spezza and literally anybody else with speed and hands, even if it's a hungry rookie.

Tampa's toughness is overrated. They've only been "tough" the last two/three seasons. Cernak is the only real tough guy on the Bolts roster. Cernak is a friggin terminator unit and can throw the mits. He's not scared of anyone in the league. He's not the hardest hitter or toughest fighter in the league, but he's a good mix of both, with size and a mean streak.

Maroon and Perry act tough, but really aren't. They're agitators. Nothing to fear, but you can't get sucked into their BS.

Nobody else on the Lightning is tough in the old-school sense. The Leafs have guys with just as much edge and size, they just don't have a culture of playing heavy or dirty like the Lightning can and will.
- GalacticStone

Apparently both Simmonds and Clifford are out if Kase can go.

Bunting-Matthews-Marner
Nylander-Tavares-Anderson*
Mikheyev-Kampf-Kerfoot
Engvall-Blackwell-Spezza

Kase on the second line if he can go.

We have to believe that Keefe knows more than we do. I mean we had a great season and Holl was a regular player so he can’t be that bad, can he?
- shack67

That's where I'm at at the end of the day. Trust the coach. I do believe he is a negative and you can coast by with that during the regular season, this is the time of year small negatives get exposed and sink you. But trust in coach. 🤷🏻‍♂️

they gave up 3 PP goals last game. Sans Holl
- drexel

They gave up zero the previous game and scored a shorty Sans Holl.

They gave up zero the previous game and scored a shorty Sans Holl.
- winsix

i prefer recency bias

they gave up 3 PP goals last game. Sans Holl
- drexel

Yeah, I did consider that. But I settled on 'that's one game', which is why I looked at a bigger picture.

If we want to go one game, we can also say the PK was about as perfect as you can get in game 1, also sans Holl.

Honestly think its a mistake to play Holl over Liljegren, paired with Giordano will make that the slowest pairing. I don't get it either TBH.
- winsix

I do too. Liljegren has been solid both ends of the ice. Holl slows that pair down and is about guaranteed to result in more odd man rushes against. Just my opinion though, and really what the (frank) do I know. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Leafs are being too physical that's why the penalties are called. Can't play too soft, but can't be too physical.. Need to learn what they can and can't get away with..
- PatC80

i disagree

they should’ve built a more capable TEAM in anticipation of the playoffs by this time

they watched it for years

these are all “veterans” that make up the “core”.

they haven’t even made it out of the first round.

why? they haven’t prioritized signing big, athletic hockey players with a mean streak

not persons who are content with crossing streams in hopes of getting the puck for a break away

you gonna (frank)in win tonight or what

you gonna (frank)in win tonight or what
- BINGO!

Yes.
Had to be said.

i disagree

they should’ve built a more capable TEAM in anticipation of the playoffs by this time

they watched it for years

these are all “veterans” that make up the “core”.

they haven’t even made it out of the first round.

why? they haven’t prioritized signing big, athletic hockey players with a mean streak

not persons who are content with crossing streams in hopes of getting the puck for a break away
- Skalapy

Good post!

Leafs are on year six since Matthews was drafted. They have showed steady improvement over that time. They added talent first and are at the point of adding, pieces to the core. When you say big athletic hockey players are you referring to players like Josh Anderson and Poon Jenner? Those players are generally scoring in the 30 to 45 point range as opposed to a softer talented pleyer like Nylander who scored 80 points this year.

Don't you think its easier to add some grit at the TDL than to add another 80 point scorer?

Yes.
Had to be said.
- bobbyisno1

good

you gonna (frank)in win tonight or what
- BINGO!

Maybe.
Maybe not.

We will see.

i prefer recency bias
- drexel

this is good stuff to read on

I do too. Liljegren has been solid both ends of the ice. Holl slows that pair down and is about guaranteed to result in more odd man rushes against. Just my opinion though, and really what the (frank) do I know. 🤷🏻‍♂️
- joel878

I agree as well.
Lili has been really good. Removing him was not the change that was needed.

Good post!

Leafs are on year six since Matthews was drafted. They have showed steady improvement over that time. They added talent first and are at the point of adding, pieces to the core. When you say big athletic hockey players are you referring to players like Josh Anderson and Poon Jenner? Those players are generally scoring in the 30 to 45 point range as opposed to a softer talented pleyer like Nylander who scored 80 points this year.

Don't you think its easier to add some grit at the TDL than to add another 80 point scorer?
- winsix

Yes because Anderson and Jenner aren't exactly proven cup winning success stories.

they gave up 3 PP goals last game. Sans Holl
- drexel

How many in the first game without Holl, Drex???
Edit: damn you Winnie, damn you. *shaking fist at the sky*

For all you booze aficionados, I bought some broadhead strawberry guava saison, muskoka tread lightly, and a bottle of sancerre for tonight's game.
- TheMussel

Good choice, BBQ night for me, wagyu sliders to start and rib steaks for the main. Grilled veggies. Drinking a 2010 Brunello Il Poggione Riserva.

How many in the first game without Holl, Drex???
Edit: damn you Winnie, damn you. *shaking fist at the sky*
- underhill14

half dozen easily

this is good stuff to read on
- Skalapy

it's all cromulent man!

Good choice, BBQ night for me, wagyu sliders to start and rib steaks for the main. Grilled veggies. Drinking a 2010 Brunello Il Poggione Riserva.
- winsix

Chef Boyardee Spaghetti Kit and a bottle of Black Tower Rivaner for me.