Goonface2k14
Registered User
Trying to make sense of last night and this team in general, with the benefit of hindsight, I can only conclude the following, which I'm sure isn't anything new to most of you:
- Speed and skill on offense can only take you so far, you need to have a physical presence as well in the playoffs, which the Leafs are lacking
- The opposition's game plan seems to be to pressure the Leafs' defensemen when they have to make a quick play in the 0-zone. Last night was a textbook example of that (especially Pasternak on Gardiner), and it's something we've witnessed far too often in recent years
Without a fundamental change on defense, although the Leafs can manage to outscore a lot of other teams, they will always be prone to costly turnovers and the inability to move the puck up the ice smartly and efficiently. They will continue to rely on risky stretch passes and offensive zone pinches. Jake Gardiner leads the way in that regard, with his high risk, high reward style of play. It especially gets exposed in the post season by good teams, when the game tightens up and physical play ramps up. There's only so much Freddie can do.
I would not be surprised if they attempt to make a big trade over the offseason, to try and get a big, reliable top pairing defenseman. Not sure if that's even achievable, unless they are willing to move a big-name foward not named Auston or Mitch.
- Speed and skill on offense can only take you so far, you need to have a physical presence as well in the playoffs, which the Leafs are lacking
- The opposition's game plan seems to be to pressure the Leafs' defensemen when they have to make a quick play in the 0-zone. Last night was a textbook example of that (especially Pasternak on Gardiner), and it's something we've witnessed far too often in recent years
Without a fundamental change on defense, although the Leafs can manage to outscore a lot of other teams, they will always be prone to costly turnovers and the inability to move the puck up the ice smartly and efficiently. They will continue to rely on risky stretch passes and offensive zone pinches. Jake Gardiner leads the way in that regard, with his high risk, high reward style of play. It especially gets exposed in the post season by good teams, when the game tightens up and physical play ramps up. There's only so much Freddie can do.
I would not be surprised if they attempt to make a big trade over the offseason, to try and get a big, reliable top pairing defenseman. Not sure if that's even achievable, unless they are willing to move a big-name foward not named Auston or Mitch.