Before you jump all over me, yes I know, it's 2018 and the game isn't quite what it used to be. But are we "tough enough" for a long playoff run? With Martin out, and Polak in/out that easily puts us amongst the "weakest" or least physical teams in the league. With Komorov's falling out we have no one left who hits with any UMPH and absolutely no one who will step up and drop the gloves or at least get in the face of an opponent if necessary. Could a tougher team bully our big 3 and get under their skin? I'm afraid to say I feel it's coming...
I liked your post and completely understand your point.
I had a similar post awhile back and many smart and insightful comments were posted, I quickly realized there were some very knowledgeable people on this site.
The insight that most caught my attention was someone pointing out that toughness wasn’t having a few goons good with the fists, or having a lot of big players, what mattered was did Leaf players go to the “hard places”, were they willing to pay the price? Thinking about it I have to say the Leafs are tough enough, how often do we see the Hymans, Browns, Komarov, even Nylander, doing just exactly that. I don’t think toughness is an issue now.
However, I have concerns about our lack of physically punishing defensemen, not their talent. Especially with playoffs approaching. I cringe watching opposing forwards “launch” themselves into our frail defenders. I played the game and would take extra liberties if there was no physical threat around the opposing net.
Today I read an article in the Toronto Star that says exactly that; opposing forwards know there is this impunity-the article talks about how other teams are now aware of this and the best way to beat the Leafs is to crash into Anderson (which we saw Buffalo do). It throws him off his game, frustrates him, can lead to injury.
I vividly recall last years push to get into the playoffs; some goon with Pittsburgh ran over Anderson-no reprisal.
Our playoff hopes could easily revolve around this issue, I can see burly opponents taking runs at Anderson, a very minimal penalty versus a potential great benefit.
He needs protection! I wish we had a big physical type with attitude (or two). I know speed is the way now but surely we need to somehow protect our biggest asset