I don't get everyone acting vindicated in here. The team still shows the same problems despite the now winning record. Passive effort most of the game with inconsistent play game to game. You never know which team you are going to get and the team still can't skate for a full 60 minutes. Hell we are lucky to get the team to skate like they did against Tampa for 20 min once a week nevermind every game.
Lots of soft plays in our own end again. Completely bailed out by Andersen several times. Andersen again hiding the lack of urgency and effort in our play away from the puck. Once again, many of us are still seeing a pretender who will get exposed in the playoffs. If it's like last year they'll sleep walk the first few games until they get embarrassed and then start playing while already basically down in the series. Meanwhile other clubs are trying to get that next level now so when it counts, they can push a bit harder and find a new level. The Leafs will be trying to find the level they had in November in the playoffs.
And to top it off, the Matthews fanboys. Holy. 3 point night for him but it seems that no one gets it or doesn't want to. It was never about the points. The same complaints were present when he had like 19 goals in 20 games. Away from the puck, he used to be a monster. Now, he looks like he doesn't give a shit. Now, his points come from his wicked shot and some high IQ plays but he is a non factor outside of scoring chances and sometimes costs the team.
He needs to have way more urgency in his game. He needs to be hounding pucks like he used to do back when he was really good defensively. I can count many times in the past 20 games he has been on the ice for key goals against including several game winning goals where he lazily pokes at the puck instead of using his body to maintain the puck like he used to do.
The 6-1-1 record is an illusion. Only positives from the game is that some guys had really good nights and the PP got going so hopefully it means the roster is going to become more fired up and reliable. Getting Nylander back will be huge come the playoffs.
However we want a cup. And right now there are too many glaring issues to know that will happen. Those of us complaining are not looking to just be negative, we just don't care about the regular season anymore. Time to win in the playoffs. I'm not sure this group has what it takes.
