vs
In this matchup we see Toronto, having vanquished multiple extremely difficult opponents against Vegas.
Ottawa: GONE
Colorado: GONE
Los Angeles: GONE
Why Toronto has the edge:
- Better elite talent up front
- Better depth at forward and d
- Elite defence
- Better goaltending
L1 vs L1: This time Toronto has a clear edge with their first line, running playoff beast Malkin with his dynamic Russian accomplice Andrei Svechnikov, and ppg winger Brian Rust, all three players are better than Vegas' respective 3 in the same positions. Torontos top line would likely dominate Vegas' in this matchup
L2 vs L2: In large part we're looking at two different builds for the second lines, while Vegas' may play a heavier style, I illustrated in the last matchup the dominating season Bjorkstrand had, turning into an elite trigger man, accompanied with puck wizard Gaudreau there's more offensive flair on Torontos second line, with a great 2way centre in his own right in Karlsson. In large part you have to ask just how much of the load O'Rielly can carry here.
L3 vs L3: Torontos third line can play great two way hockey while having some high IQ players, and great scoring depth with 1st line scorer Parise playing on it. You know you can expect Torontos third line to play a heavy, smart, scoring style.
L4 vs L4: While I really like Charlie Coyle, Adam Henrique is able to play that little bit higher in the lineup, and while the contract isn't pleasant Dustin Brown still plays high level hockey, producing at a great rate. Accompanied with Mangiapane's elite speed Torontos 4th line is just able to play against better competition, and succeed.
D1 vs D1: Oh the elite blueline matchup. I know well what's coming, "Shea Weber is a beast" yeah well first off, McAvoy had near identical ppg, while having more hits and blocks, less giveaways and more take aways all in only 2 more games. Shea Weber is ageing people. Pair this with Josis 10 more points than Hedman in 2 more games (all at even strength), Hedman had near identical advanced stats on a worse team than Hedman too and we all know he played Norris level hockey this season, Josi has blossomed, it's time to take note.
D2 vs D2: Two highest scoring D here? In Toronto. And Shea Theodore played at a Norris level this season, neither of Vegas' guys did that. "Offensive defence man" Adam Fox leads this whole matchup in blocks and takeaways. PTS/60, Fox then Theodore, anyone saying Schmidt was more important to Vegas, he got shelled relative to the rest of Vegas while Theodore dominated Corsi and Fenwick, and Fox was unbelievable relative to the rest of New York. Torontos top pair played dominant hockey in 2019-2020 while Vegas' was simply mediocre in comparison.
D3 vs D3: Just to be clear, Josh Manson hasn't been great in a while and only had 9 points this year. Manson and Skjei both had abysmal Corsi and Fenwick this year too. Dunn is the best defenceman here, after that if you want to ignore fancies maybe you could say Skjei but after that Johnson is far ahead, but with fancies both Torontos D blows Vegas' out of the water.
G: Two amazing goalies and I wouldn't fault you for either, but simply put Hellebuyck played Vezina/MVP hockey this year on a worse team than Vasi did, and has shown he can win on his own, or carry a team so for that you should pick Toronto.
Overall: Vegas has had an easier path, Toronto has knocked off two arguably top 3 teams, and shown to be deeper, have the better elite talent, have an MVP goalie and some of the most productive players at all positions this year and for these reasons you can see Toronto is the better team in this matchup.
Vote Toronto to take the championship!!!!! We all know they're the top team by now.
