Is winning one playoff round enough for you anymore?

[lottster14]

In my opinion, it was enough in 2017 (when we made that unlikely run to end up facing Washington and taking them to 6) and also in 2018 when we faced Boston for the first time since the 2013 disaster. I think the narrative of "If we avoid Boston in round 1, all is well! We can win a round, Oh my God!" is a weak mindset.

Now that it is established that Boston has our number and continues to upset and embarrass us, coupled with the fact that we've made no playoff progress since 2017, I think we should be all happy once we beat Boston. Also if we beat Boston, say in a round 1, it'd be likely we'd defeat our opponent in round 2 as well. A Toronto vs Columbus matchup would be different and probably very fun, but if we won and lost to Boston, that is not progression and we shouldn't be satisfied IMO.

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[Al14]

Nope, premium salaries must mean premium results!

 

[lottster14]

Nope, premium salaries must mean premium results!

Can't be okay with Boston being able to have their way with us in game 7's over and over. "But they're dirty and the refs!" is not an excuse like "Well the raptors can't get past Cleveland because of Lebron" was.

 

[robertmac43]

One round would at least show some growth but it would not leave me satisfied!

 

[NHL WAR]

We need to win at least one playoff round, not just a play- in mini series. Beating Columbus wouldn't really be an accomplishment as much as a reminder that they didn't have a good enough regular season to get a bye. The round of 24 (if it gets approved) is just a neccessary evil, the round of 16 is the real deal.

 

[al secord]

Ya, after a wild card play-in, if we then beat the Bruins, i'll be disappointed with not going further, but satisfied.

 

[rent free]

nah i want the whole damn cup

 

[Nineteen67]

It depends on the roster they put together in the off season.
If they come back with a similar type team then I’m happy with just making the playoffs.
If they have a robust team then I expect more.
We’ll see what Dubas can do.

 

[ACC1224]

My expectations are low so I’d be pleased with winning a round.

 

[-DeMo-]

I dont understand the part about how we would likely win round 2 because we beat Boston in round 1

 

[rent free]

I dont understand the part about how we would likely win round 2 because we beat Boston in round 1

boston is the best team in the league; theoretically if we knock them out then whoever we face will be an easier opponent


i'm not gonna agree/argue whether we'd be likely to win round 2 or not

 

[Ciao]

They need to go on a roll.

If not now, then when?

 

[lovemyleafs]

No.
Conference finals or bust.
This team is loaded on paper. No excuses.
Simply winning a round sounds depressing and is too low of an expectation.

 

[lottster14]

I dont understand the part about how we would likely win round 2 because we beat Boston in round 1

Getting over that big hurdle, monkey off the back, Boston being top 3 at LEAST in eastern conference. Leafs and leaf fans riding the motivation wave. Don't see how it's hard to understand tbh.

 

[lottster14]

No.
Conference finals or bust.
This team is loaded on paper. No excuses.
Simply winning a round sounds depressing and is too low of an expectation.

I agree. If we're going win round 1 (vs boston or not) we have to make it to round 3 at least. Especially with cap issues, player loyalty after 4 potential exits in a row, and other teams getting better after the trade deadline

 

[Notsince67]

We wont win a cup with this team. I'm ok as long as they improve.

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

I’ll take f***ing any playoff success. It’s been 16 years since this team won a round. I’m desperate for any form of on ice success.

 

[Nineteen67]

We wont win a cup with this team. I'm ok as long as they improve.

If they hold this thing this year they’ll be favourites to win.

 

[Kazparov]

After the last three months I'd just like to see some damn hockey

 

[Buds17]

Can't overlook any opponent. Any series victory would be well earned and not easy to come by. It'd be great to have the franchise at least crack that final eight again.

 

[Funk21]

Nope. This team should be ECF or bust IMO. If we get knocked out in the round robin I hope we get to keep our 1st. Not likely but we could certainly use the help of a high pick.

 

[TakeTheBody]

Babcock finally gone.

No more excuses.

 

[ACC1224]

Babcock finally gone.

No more excuses.

Lol yeah right.

 

[hockeyes]

Anything less than making the 2nd round would be a massive failure, doesn't matter who they play. Can't get by on potential forever.

 

[Srsly]

In my opinion, it was enough in 2017 (when we made that unlikely run to end up facing Washington and taking them to 6) and also in 2018 when we faced Boston for the first time since the 2013 disaster. I think the narrative of "If we avoid Boston in round 1, all is well! We can win a round, Oh my God!" is a weak mindset.

Now that it is established that Boston has our number and continues to upset and embarrass us, coupled with the fact that we've made no playoff progress since 2017, I think we should be all happy once we beat Boston. Also if we beat Boston, say in a round 1, it'd be likely we'd defeat our opponent in round 2 as well. A Toronto vs Columbus matchup would be different and probably very fun, but if we won and lost to Boston, that is not progression and we shouldn't be satisfied IMO.

Let’s say the playoff format is altered to accommodate additional teams and Boston is eliminated in the first round(here’s looking at Tampa last year).

In this hypothetical scenario, the Leafs go on a deep run. Does that mean that you’ll still be unhappy? I think you’re getting hung up on a rivalry when comparing the teams actual vs theoretical progress. I want to eliminate Boston just as much as the next person, but the reality is that our current roster has only lost two seven game series’ against the Bruins. I don’t think that means that they have our number in absolute certainty.

I’ll also be happy with a series victory. Obviously I’d be happier with an ECF or even Stanley Cup victory. But showing we can win one or two rounds is still growth in the right direction.