Anyone else afraid that the Oilers are going on another run if they get past the Kings?
They survived horrendous goaltending and defense before. - Interloper
So far, the only series that I had predicted but doesn't look good for me is the Kings beating the Oilers. After 2 games, it was looking solid but the Kings fell apart. They're usually a cohesive defensive team but that's got away from them. Had the Leafs, Panthers, Canes and Caps in the east, in the first round. In the West, I had Colorado, Vegas, Jets and Kings. If the Kings don't come back, they kill my brackets.
So far, the only series that I had predicted but doesn't look good for me is the Kings beating the Oilers. After 2 games, it was looking solid but the Kings fell apart. They're usually a cohesive defensive team but that's got away from them. Had the Leafs, Panthers, Canes and Caps in the east, in the first round. In the West, I had Colorado, Vegas, Jets and Kings. If the Kings don't come back, they kill my brackets. - PrinceLH
Yeah in a small bracket a couple teams out kills you early.
I wasn't in any brackets, just a draft, but I figured Tampa over Florida, then Dallas, Vegas, Jets, Oilers.
Willy haters are going to hate regardless they can’t help themselves.
It’s ok - real Leafs fans know he was the hero tonight but Marner is as important to this team as Willy and Matthews. - Cush29
Willy had been almost invisible the whole series. I had a feeling that he was going to show up tonight. He was due. Such a difference of coaching when comparing to Sheldon Keefe.
Willy haters are going to hate regardless they can’t help themselves.
It’s ok - real Leafs fans know he was the hero tonight but Marner is as important to this team as Willy and Matthews. - Cush29
I somehow blocked out that Domi made the nice play to win a puck battle and make a nice pass to Paciorrety. He was having a rough time, but he's in on two of the biggest goals in the series.
I somehow blocked out that Domi made the nice play to win a puck battle and make a nice pass to Paciorrety. He was having a rough time, but he's in on two of the biggest goals in the series. - Interloper
The difference with this team is the ability of the 3rd and 4th line to do damage. They don't have to score, they just make sure they don't get scored against and eat up valuable minutes. It keeps the top 2 lines fresher, not having to play 23 minutes a night. The defense seems quite set as well. You know what you're getting with all 3 pairings. Their only deficiencies are focus and sometimes lazy backchecking on the forwards. Many of their winning goals came from players that weren't expected to be the hero's. Willy doesn't get the empty net goal, without Laughton making the shot block. Patches doesn't score the winner without Domi's pass. Two overtime winners from unexpected sources. The Leafs haven't really had that, the last few years in the playoffs. It also doesn't hurt having a goaltender that makes key saves and doesn't give up a soft goal. Can the Leafs beat Florida? Yes, but there can't be passengers or taking games off, like game 5 in this series.
The difference with this team is the ability of the 3rd and 4th line to do damage. They don't have to score, they just make sure they don't get scored against and eat up valuable minutes. It keeps the top 2 lines fresher, not having to play 23 minutes a night. The defense seems quite set as well. You know what you're getting with all 3 pairings. Their only deficiencies are focus and sometimes lazy backchecking on the forwards. Many of their winning goals came from players that weren't expected to be the hero's. Willy doesn't get the empty net goal, without Laughton making the shot block. Patches doesn't score the winner without Domi's pass. Two overtime winners from unexpected sources. The Leafs haven't really had that, the last few years in the playoffs. It also doesn't hurt having a goaltender that makes key saves and doesn't give up a soft goal. Can the Leafs beat Florida? Yes, but there can't be passengers or taking games off, like game 5 in this series. - PrinceLH
There's talk about them starting round 2 on Saturday. I don't think that's smart. They should take a few days to decompress and get ready for round 2. It also might let Florida cool off a bit, with a number of days off from the last Series. The East is set, but the West is up in the air. Until those series are over, they shouldn't start round 2. Jets/Blues may not end until Sunday.
Looks like the Oil are going to move on tonight. Up 2 late in the second. The Kings look like they've run out of steam. Still, the Stars/Avs is still a good game tonight.
Maple Leaf and blue heart plus thumbsup and deer beer equals trophy hockey stick. - Tanooki
Could also mean trophy wife, as well. Be careful how you use those emoji's.
That Dallas/Avs game is a beauty. An elimination game between these two Grade A teams. If she goes 7 it'll be an even bigger beauty. The winner of this could possibly be the team that represents the west in the finals......that's if there's anything left after this battle. A very good game!
Wasn't sure they would pull if off but really glad they did! (was more ready for a game 7 heart break)
GLG!!! - underhill14
It sure had that feel to it. That would have been the ultimate heartbreak. Losing to your provincial rival, after winning the division and the first 3 games would have devastated the team and the fanbase. There would have been mass firings in the management, trades, not signing star players. It would have been an ugly off season and a total reset next year. Now we just need to make the next step to make them a contender. Beat Florida and you have a great opportunity to actually make the finals. The Leafs have never won 3 rounds in the playoffs in their long history. Let that sink in!
