Howie Hodge
Zombie Woof
They don't have to be in today's game.
Even a fossil like myself can see this...
Even a fossil like myself can see this...
Okay and Tampa and Pittsburgh are bottom 5 in that category?Right but Nashville is also top 5 in Team Fights.
Leafs are dead last in team.fights and 27th out of 31 in team hits.
Okay and Tampa and Pittsburgh are bottom 5 in that category?
Why is it so hard to understand that fighting majors and throwing a ton of hits doesn't equal playoff success in the modern NHL?But non of those teams are bottom 5 in both categories like the Leafs are. Why is that so hard to understand ?
They don't have to be in today's game.
Even a fossil like myself can see this...
This train of thought I don't agree with. So if we had a line up full of face punchers would it have stopped Kronwall from making that hit? Washington is the biggest team in the league did it stop Reaves from destroying Wilson? I don't seem to understand your pointSure but when it comes down to it those teams will fight and prorect their stars.
Hell, Travis Hamonic broke his face on Gudbransons fist beacuse Guddy hit Dube.
I agree, I think to make things a bit more fair you should trade us Orlov.I think when teams are close in "skill", then adding that physical factor is definitely huge in the playoffs.
Leafs top 3 D hitters: Zaitsev (49), Dermott (41), Ozhiganov (31)
Leafs top 3 F hitters: Hyman (50), Kapanen (33), Gauthier (30)
That's not really intimidating at all. Compared to the Caps top hitters who would be Ovi/Oshie/Wilson and Orpik/Niskanen/Orlov.
But as others have said, it's possible to be successful without a 'tough' team, but it certainly makes things easier if you are.
Im not sure about this narrative. 2013 Toronto was the bigger stronger team and lost game 7, and last year Toronto had the lead in game seven going into the third. Also went 4-0 regular season and 4-0 regular season before that against Boston.Boston isn't more skilled but their game plan works against them.
Teams like Boston, who are capable of playing a physically imposing style, know how to do so mostly without being penalized.
Is Tampa?
My point isnt about Powerplay.
Who cares about powerplay if Leaf star players are injured because its open season on them.
You dont think rival teams are seeing that worthless reaction on Auston Mathews.
Ok if that was kadri or hyman then fine face wash take the PP.
But anyone so much as sneezes on Mathews let alone gives him.a questionable hit to the boards then there should be a stern reaction either in the moment or at the very least later on w. Kronwall to deter any future shananigans on them.