We're one of the best ES teams in the league this month and the whole "weak division" thing is BS and always was. I've been giving Ottawa props for a while for their solid play this season as their goaltending and scoring finish gas let them down. They are gonna be a real deal team in not too long and would be more than a couple points higher if they had a Helle or Markstrom in net.
It feels rough now, yea, but that wasn't one of Ottawas better games this year. They got the bounces and won though as its a bit of Karma for them.
Leafs will bounce back next game. Just play the same game and don't get loose goosey if your up a few goals.
I'm not saying the North is a "weak" division. But it's widely accepted and totally noticeable when watching games that the Leafs are head and shoulders above any team in the east when it comes to over all skill. That includes Edmonton. My point was more an indictment of their play over the last 2-3 weeks than the debacle yesterday night. They're effort level is slowly slipping each and every game. Mental lapses compounding needs to be addressed ASAP. When they get to the playoffs, teams like TB , BOS, WAS et all will not let one mental lapse turn into 5 or 6. They come back harder and harder. There's a sense of urgency in their games that the Leafs need to find. So the way I see it, if they get bounced in the 1st round the way they have in the last couple of years, there needs to be a change to this core. What ever that is, I don't know, but I would expect Dubas to be active in redirecting this team.
I fully expect they will bounce back next game, it's what they do in the following 10 games I'm interested in seeing. But they need a gut check.
For the record, I love your optimism! Forgive me if recent history has jaded my outlook somewhat
And you are right, I should have a more positive outlook.