I don't really get how the Leafs are overrated. I mean, their D is a problem but they should be able to outscore a lot of their problems this season.
They're certainly on the short list of Cup contenders.
I don't really get how the Leafs are overrated. I mean, their D is a problem but they should be able to outscore a lot of their problems this season.
They're certainly on the short list of Cup contenders.
I don't know - all of the top contenders seem to have flaws to me. Pitt and Toronto both have pretty bad defenses. Washington is interesting, because I still think that looking at their roster they don't look that great, but the whole is definitely greater than the sum of their parts (in stark difference to years past where the opposite was true). Tampa still has issues with consistency and certain players not showing up in big games. Winnipeg has some question marks through their line up. Nashville is missing gamebreakers at forward.Theyre not one of the top cup contenders (pitt wash etc)
But in the grouping right after? Sure
I don't know - all of the top contenders seem to have flaws to me. Pitt and Toronto both have pretty bad defenses. Washington is interesting, because I still think that looking at their roster they don't look that great, but the whole is definitely greater than the sum of their parts (in stark difference to years past where the opposite was true). Tampa still has issues with consistency and certain players not showing up in big games. Winnipeg has some question marks through their line up. Nashville is missing gamebreakers at forward.
They're all in the same lump to me. Maybe you give bonus points to the proven winners, but it shouldn't be *that* many.
Certainly defensible. I kind of take the opposite tack - you have to prove to be a choker more than you have to prove to be a winner in these discussions. Winnipeg's lack of PO experience still took them to the WCF in their first year in the playoffs. Unless you're the Sharks, Blues, or pre '18 Caps, you get the benefit of the doubt that talent wins out for me.The bolded is the biggest component you're lacking. And yes I give huge bumps for that.
Pitt, Wash, Tampa...Nashville. I think those 4 are tier 1.
You could argue that "on paper" Toronto's roster is as good as most teams - but it's one thing to be good enough to be supposed to win, and it's another thing to actually go ahead and win. And until Toronto does, i won't see them as a top cup contender. All those other 4 teams either won cups or went very far lately - and also have a few key proven playoff competitors.
Matthews is the type of player who you think "should" be good in the playoffs - but he's not proven it yet. and even JT has very limited playoff experience.
Certainly defensible. I kind of take the opposite tack - you have to prove to be a choker more than you have to prove to be a winner in these discussions. Winnipeg's lack of PO experience still took them to the WCF in their first year in the playoffs. Unless you're the Sharks, Blues, or pre '18 Caps, you get the benefit of the doubt that talent wins out for me.
East: Leafs
West: Blues
I think the Leafs have a great future and could very well become a contender. However they aren't yet, not until they get a legit D core.
Blues made a lot of moves but I dunno, kinda feels like it's the same old story with them.
Even with Tank I feel like they're missing that game breaking talent, along with having horrible goaltending.I voted Blues too.
Same old imo. Maybe bubble playoff team, and even if they somehow make it (and even if they finish high in standings) - I have exactly 0 faith in them going far in the playoffs.
They just feel like a worse Predators across the board. Same strengths (but less strong), same weaknesses.Even with Tank I feel like they're missing that game breaking talent, along with having horrible goaltending.
I've always felt that about the Blues. Very solid team that just needs more game-breakers to go over-the-top. Minnesota in some seasons feels like that as well.Even with Tank I feel like they're missing that game breaking talent, along with having horrible goaltending.
Pittsburgh won two cups with a mediocre defense. Why exactly cant Toronto?East: Leafs
West: Blues
I think the Leafs have a great future and could very well become a contender. However they aren't yet, not until they get a legit D core.
Blues made a lot of moves but I dunno, kinda feels like it's the same old story with them.
Pittsburgh won two cups with a mediocre defense. Why exactly cant Toronto?
... since 2017?
Because they don't have Crosby, Malkin, Letang and especially an incredibly clutch Matt Murray.Pittsburgh won two cups with a mediocre defense. Why exactly cant Toronto?
I mean u dont consider the pre salary cap era where there wasnt even HD tv or even smartphones not the modern era?BTW, how young are you that you don't consider 2004 in "The Modern Era'?
but that has nothing to do with their defense...Because they don't have Crosby, Malkin, Letang and especially an incredibly clutch Matt Murray.
Letang and Murray have nothing to do with their defense? Okay.but that has nothing to do with their defense...
You never mentioned Letang and no Murray does not play on the defeseLetang and Murray have nothing to do with their defense? Okay.
Your? I'm not a Pens fan. And yes, I did mention Letang.You never mentioned Letang and no Murray does not play on the defese
Your defense was mediocre and yet you still won two cups. No reason Toronto cant either, no matter what irellevant reasons you come up with
Lol continue hating on the Leafs for no other reason than its coolYour? I'm not a Pens fan. And yes, I did mention Letang.
I'm not in the business of feeding your insecurity.
Lol continue hating on the Leafs for no other reason than its cool
'Pittsburgh has a mediocre defense, wins two cups, Toronto cant possibly do that though for reasons like forwards and goalie' lmao