Post-Game Talk: Leafs lose 2-1 (SO)

[Man Bear Pig]

Taking injuries into consideration, the Leafs have collected points in 19 out of the 25 games under Keefe.

That is also with Andersen suffering through a bit of a slump.

4 skaters are over a PPG. Barrie has 18 points in those 25 games, and despite all the hate he is rarely on the ice for a goal against.

Andersen won't ever be the best goaltender but they need him to just be better than average.

Win on Saturday and take 9 days off the heal. Get back and close out the final 1/3 of the season on a high note.

Imagine how good we could look with a full roster going into the playoffs. I'd love to see a full roster under Keefe. Add a healthy Rielly, Muzzin, Mikheyev, Moore etc and with Sandin staying up along with maybe Liljegren as well and that's an elite team. Tremendous depth. We don't know how good we have it.

 

[MapleLeafs77]

Their goalie was incredible. Thats it. Kudos to them and lets move on.

I would only complain that matthews needs to be on first and needs more than one shift in OT. This guy is on pace for 60 goals and one of the best players in the league. I get john got caught but that last 45 seconds shift needs to be matthews. He was standing up on the bench wanting to go.

 

[Leaf4Life]

JT should never see ice time in the 3 x 3, he is far too slow.
I really like what I see in Sandin, he will easily progress to a #1 D for a long time.

This. Tavares is a massive liability 3v3.

 

[Man Bear Pig]

Considering the leafs have been dropping 3 to 4 goals for like 20 games in a row im sure this is pretty new

The Leafs have put up 3 or more goals in every game since early December, as they stated in the broadcast. We're first in goals per game. Dont know what the hell the poster you quoted is talking about. We're probably the deepest team in the league up front. Spezza is our 4th line center with a healthy forward group. Think of how crazy that is. Our 4th line center is on pace for 41 points over a full 82 game schedule.

 

[Warden of the North]

Supremely frustrating game.

Better team lost.

 

[Captain14]

Leafs have lost 4 of 5 and are out of a playoff spot if Florida wins their games in hand. Their season could easily be ruined with another losing streak.

We would not be out of a playoff spot, we are #1 wildcard if Florida wins their games in hand.
If they tighten up the d zone play just a little, we’re easily in the playoffs.

 

[Warden of the North]

Their goalie stole the game

On to the next

Need a win streak here, but injuries really hurting this already weak defense

I would say its notable the actual defense was quite good tonight, we did however miss Rielly's puck moving, especially in OT

 

[Marshy]

I love the way they played it bodes well for the rest of the season.

Can't say enough good things about Kapanen. What a beauty. Welcome to the no trade club.

 

[Gallagbi]

I would say its notable the actual defense was quite good tonight, we did however miss Rielly's puck moving, especially in OT

Did Sandin play in OT? The fact we started Holl is a little terrifying

 

[roggie13]

How about switching up the shootout guys once in a while always the same players always the same results

 

[Gabriel426]

Now they just need to score again.

Great Defense display, need to be better with their chances.
Team is playing well, just didn’t have puck luck today.

 

[Duffman955]

I would say its notable the actual defense was quite good tonight, we did however miss Rielly's puck moving, especially in OT

Agreed.

But the bigger picture is that we already have one of te highest GAA in the league even with a healthy lineup.

If we play like we did today, we should be able to win most games. Goalies dont stand on their heads every game

 

[weems]

Rittich literally stood on his head.

I thought that was one of the more complete games we've played all year.

Our intensity was strong for all 65 mins.

Nylander is having a great stretch of hockey right now.

If we play like we did tonight, we'll be fine.

 

[biotk]

Did Sandin play in OT? The fact we started Holl is a little terrifying

The OT was the only part of the game I saw. Holl, Barrie and Dermott were the D as far as I can remember. I found the 3 on 3 frustrating with the Flames controlling the puck for the vast majority of it (including the entire first two minutes). Part of that was losing all the faceoffs. But part of that was some really low probability shots by the Leafs leading them losing possession.

 

[Ryan Michaels]

Taking injuries into consideration, the Leafs have collected points in 19 out of the 25 games under Keefe.

That is also with Andersen suffering through a bit of a slump.

4 skaters are over a PPG. Barrie has 18 points in those 25 games, and despite all the hate he is rarely on the ice for a goal against.

Andersen won't ever be the best goaltender but they need him to just be better than average.

Win on Saturday and take 9 days off the heal. Get back and close out the final 1/3 of the season on a high note.

I generally agree with this sentiment but is the bolded true? That doesn't quite pass the smell test for me.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

It's nice to see Sandin actual play. He's at around 16 minutes a game under Keefe, up from around 12 under Babcock

 

[LeafingTheWay]

Just take the L and move on guys. I don't understand the criticism on Andersen, he was great. Made a couple of awesome saves in overtime.

The only person I'll complain about is Codi Ceci. He started off good for a stretch of games but has returned back to his normal bad self. Timothy Lilijegren has to come in for this guy.

On the flip side, Marincin was fantastic. Not sure if anyone has done or noticed this, but Marincins neutral zone pinches and zone entry preventions at the blueline are incredible. Ever wonder why his possession stats are fantastic this season? It's because he stops the play from even beginning. Our other D like Rielly, Barrie, Ceci, etc give up the blueline very easily and hence why they get bombed with shots against.

 

[Warden of the North]

Rittich literally stood on his head.

I thought that was one of the more complete games we've played all year.

Our intensity was strong for all 65 mins.

Nylander is having a great stretch of hockey right now.

If we play like we did tonight, we'll be fine.

Well, he literally didnt stand on his head

Figuratively, yes he did.

 

[I am Canadian]

Can't be upset about this one - would love for them to play like this all year long. You don't get stoned like a goalie like that very often.

 

[The Man with a Plan]

Yes I am. A 37% in the shootout is actually quite good for the NHL. You would have known this if you simply clicked the link. Regardless, it's clear that your mind is set so I can't help you there. Goodnight sir and happy ranting.

Its clear my mind would rather have a skilled speedy winger who was playing lights out tonight then an old vet barely hanging onto his career.

I don't care about stats that are based on the player he used to be...

This season he is slow and makes horrible decisions. Hes lucked out by playing with better talent then him which is responsible for his scoring so far. Hes a faceoff specialist and thats about it now.

He looked like a career ahler in the shootout tonight and made the shootout easy for Rittich

 

[hostilebynature]

Missed the game.

How was Sandin?

How is Dermot doing with the tougher minutes?

 

[Warden of the North]

Missed the game.

How was Sandin?

How is Dermot doing with the tougher minutes?

Whole team was great.

Rittich was just better

 

[Luminiferous]

The better team won. Hopefully the next game is a win.

 

[The Man with a Plan]

Did Sandin play in OT? The fact we started Holl is a little terrifying

Holl has earned his icetime. He had a great game again.

 

[Jojalu]

I generally agree with this sentiment but is the bolded true? That doesn't quite pass the smell test for me.

It is indeed true. No doubt he was awful under Babcock, and he srill will turn it over once in awhile, but that will happen with risk/reward players who have the puck a lot.