Are you as worried about TB as you are the Leafs? They look terrible too, and have many similar issues to the Leafs, IMO.
Then I look at the Blues and the Flames....two teams who we can all agree are gritty and tough to play against....and they're under achieving, too.
I'm just curious why we are ready to proclaim the Leafs a failure at this point, but not the other teams I listed. To be clear, I'm not saying you're saying exactly that, just that a lot of people seem to think this way and since you seem to write out more than just a one line hot take, I'm curious about your thoughts.
Why would I be worried about any team other than the Leafs?
My perspective on hockey is different.
I really don’t get worked up over the regular season. Momentum heading into playoffs, getting a good PK or PP, largely irrelevant.
How we did against Montreal in October means absolutely nothing against Boston in May.
So provided we can get enough points to get in... that and staying healthy are really the only goals for the regular season.
But the playoffs. Tampa. Gritty. Boston. Even Montreal pushed us around. We know what’s coming and need to be prepared. Need to find a way to instil that grit in those we have and support the need to have it on the roster.
What is concerning is that the GM is highly unlikely to seek out grit for the playoffs. He said he doesn’t buy into physicality.
So we have a great chance to have another 1st round exit if nothing changes.
That’s really my “theme” in posting.