Are the Leafs really that good?

[Riddum]

I'm asking because I have watched their last 2 games (as well as the opener) and I was not impressed at all.

Offensively, they have elite talent and are extremely potent but defensively, I don't see anything special there. Goaltending wise, they're rather shaky. They've allowed at least 3 goals in all but their opening game. It never feels like they control the pace game. They givre away lots of chances.

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[CyBorgman]

Last 2 games haven't been great, and yea there are still holes on defense and inconsistent goaltending. You have to establish what you mean by "that good" though.

 

[SpookyTsuki]

Nobody will know anything until thanksgiving really

 

[Fandlauer]

One of the best offenses in the league. Really weak defense. A solid goalie, however if someone even brushes his head he could be done for the year. I consider them a lock for the playoffs as long as Freddy stays healthy, beyond that it's a crapshoot. I'm not sure how they'll do in the playoffs when everything locks down and scoring dries up. It could go either way.

 

[Here I Pageau Again]

Pretty much look as I predicted thus far. Offensively insane enough to cover up defensive issues, but will struggle if an opposing team keeps them under 2/3 goals.

Basically will score lots but will be scored on lots.

 

[PatrikBerglund]

If Matthews or Nylander (or both) went down for an extended period, TML would be in big trouble.

 

[Paris in Flames]

If Matthews or Nylander (or both) went down for an extended period, TML would be in big trouble.

Yeah. Struggling if your top two players get hurt is totally exclusive to Toronto.

 

[Christ]

If Matthews or Nylander (or both) went down for an extended period, TML would be in big trouble.

If the top one to two superstars on any team went down on any team, said team would struggle.

 

[SmoggyTwinkles]

I feel like they're capable of being better.

But they keep winning like this. Wait and see what happens.

 

[LeafGrief]

Both the team's defense and Andersen were quite a bit better at the end of last year than they have been to start this year. The offense is even better. If the Leafs can get the goaltending we know Andersen is capable of and the defense can tighten up to where they were last year, we're in very good shape.

 

[Peasy]

Last night was arguably their worst game.

They have a top 3 offence in the league, can score goals with ease. Yes their offence is that good, but of course their defence isn't amazing which shouldnt be surprising to anyone.

Andersen had a bad start last year, I expect him to turn it around.

 

[Steve]

I'm asking because I have watched their last 2 games (as well as the opener) and I was not impressed at all.

Offensively, they have elite talent and are extremely potent but defensively, I don't see anything special there. Goaltending wise, they're rather shaky. They've allowed at least 3 goals in all but their opening game. It never feels like they control the pace game. They givre away lots of chances.

Signs of a young team. They have good moments but consistency lacks. Offence is as good as anyone's, D is questionable and goaltending has been inconsistent but should level out.

They are entertaining in both aides of the puck but the last 2 games (particulary in Montreal) were boring to watch. Time will tell if they are actually good but I see them as a 7-9 team in the East. They should get in but somewhere near the bottom.

 

[Kamiccolo]

They have played like shit their last two games. Watch the Rangers first period to see the potential of this team.

 

[Pi]

Yeah. Struggling if your top two players get hurt is totally exclusive to Toronto.

Yep. If any other team loses their superstar, they have another one in the AHL ready to take their spot.

 

[firstemperor]

They have outplayed all their opponents so far except in the Montreal game- where they didn't really get outplayed, more like outworked. The goaltending duel last night was a wash but all last night showed is how many game-breakers we have on our team. Our margin of error is larger than a team like Montreal, which lacks skill.....doesn't matter if they out-work us...we have our talent to fall-back on now (unlike previous iterations of the team). That is probably the main solace about this team as a Leafs fan.

I should say, we also got outworked by the Devils the game before- as to keep things consistent.

Now it's all about peaking with that talent because to be quite frank, we haven't really reached consistency (a point Babcock noted) yet.

I will say...our defenders aren't nearly as bad as advertised. Our defense needs work though. I really think its just a select few culprits. Mostly team defense (the Bozak line), the bottom pairing, and on the odd occasion, Gardiner or Rielly have an off night.

Andersen comes and goes. He's had a few solid games and a few barn burners. He hasn't stolen a single game yet.

Zaits and Hainsey have been rock solid for us for the most part.

 

[Nithoniniel]

It's worth noting that last night was the first game where we didn't have a sizable territorial edge in our game, and even then we apparently had a big lead in expected goals? Saw something about that on twitter, but haven't checked myself yet.

 

[Pookie]

Good enough to compete for the playoffs.

Any discussion of how far in the playoffs they could go is just silly.

We don't know trade deadline rosters, health or match ups.

 

[Makar Goes Fast]

Nobody will know anything until thanksgiving really

but thanksgiving was last week?

 

[Brobust]

No, man. They suck.

They are scoring about 5 goals a game with sustainable underlying numbers, but who needs goals anyway.

 

[Cotton]

Are the Leafs a paper tiger?

 

[Riddum]

They remind me of the Caps from 2008

 

[MetalheadPenguinsFan]

but thanksgiving was last week?

He meant American thanksgiving. It's in November.

 

[MetalheadPenguinsFan]

For the last few years the Leafs always look good at the start of the season no?

 

[Pookie]

For the last few years the Leafs always look good at the start of the season no?

1-1-3 through the first 5 last year.

Pretty similar start with the OT goals this year being the difference.

Goal differential is better this year.

 

[Lapa]

Should be a playoff team. I'm not expecting them to contend this year, but I've seen crazier things happen.