Watched NJs 2 games, and they are better than people think. Hischier is the real deal, Bratt is on fire, and Butcher is good as well. Thing is that they play our speed game, if they get into that with us they are in trouble. So far in the games I have watched Schneider hasnt been tested all that much, but again we cant take these guys lightly, they have several players that can score at will, or at least are dangerous. Hall looks real good in the games I saw, and again Hischier has a sweet pair of hands. I agree with a couple people here, we should win, but it is those games in the past that we have lost. Last night we dominated for a bit more than half the game, against a powerhouse team. So really, we can beat anybody, it all depends on if we show up.
Question for anyone--what were the leafs D pairs today in practice? Or does anyone know which swede will be in? Or if it is both? They both played well last night. Rosen for me matches up well only against teams that dont forecheck hard. Chicago is a rush scoring team, and at least last night didnt pressure our D all that much. Borgman looks good no matter who against. I really like his confidence too. He will wheel, and he picks his spots. That penalty was a joke. DeBrincat missed the puck so that split second, how does any player hold up. If Borgman waits, DeBrincat has the puck and goes past him. Those close plays like that, if the hit is clean, should be legal. It was not blind side, he had his head down, and one hand on the stick, which is why he missed the puck. I hate that. Good comparison is NHL18 even. I have done the same thing. Guy passes the puck I go for the hit and his player misses it, boom penalty...so dumb