Pre-Game Talk: The (legendary) Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tortorella's Blue Jackets game 1

[IPS]

The physicality is being over blown.

Our D throws the body around more than theirs. Muzzin and Savard is a wash in terms of physical.

Foligno and Jenner are their mass hitters for forwards. However, these two had one goal each last post-season. These two currently score at the same rate as Kyle Clifford.

The rest of the players aren't overall more physical than us. Nyquist, Wennberg, Texier, Bjorkstrand, Bemstrom, Robinson, Foudy....I don't see how these guys have more heart than our players.

PLD and Atkinson are obviously the guys we need to watch most. Shut these two down and it's a sweep.

I truly believe we have a wicked counter attack game that's going to catch Columbus off guard badly.

Our new 3rd line looks fun as hell and Rielly looks back in full form. If Barrie can get his head on straight we got something great.

 

[Havoc]

Is Atkinson playing?

Should be. He was in the lineup against Boston.

I think Anderson is injured. He's a bruiser but coming off shoulder surgery so shouldn't be that big of an issue if he returns.

 

[LeafChief]

Game day, sires.

 

[Wafflewhipper]

I can't remember who said it in another thread, but Clifford is someone we can see move up and play with one of top two lines should CBJs try to take liberties. Players have to stand up for themselves, but there's a time and place for a fella like Kyle to be used as a deterrent. Though not a 'dirty' team, Clifford will help keep them honest.

Instantly the first time they start running anyone of our stars Clifford could be moved up on the left side to take care of it. He is solid defensively so no harm in doing it. Make sure Muzzin is on the ice at the same time. Right too that the skill guys need a chip on their shoulders to be successful
It might have been myself that said that. We don’t want penalties and if they run our guys and won’t man up we run their guys i suppose. One way or the other they need to know we ate coming.

 

[slozo]

I know there was a lot of back and forth on this, but the NHL says they are qualifiers and not playoffs. Points will count as playoffs as regular season trophies voted on.

It's the correct and only call to make.
Yes, it will feel and essentially look like playoff hockey, but it's a play-in round before the big tournament.

So yeah, more practice.

 

[slozo]

And yet they just mentioned on the Oilers/Hawks broadcast that all stats are being registered as Playoff Stats.

That's funny - I heard the same, that Hawks kid (whathisname) supposedly broke the record for most points in a first playoff game . . . well, what is it? Playoff games for Chi-town, and non-playoff games for the Buds?
They have to make up their minds.

Or it could just be media making up stuff as they go along.

 

[lottster14]

This is going to be interesting. I have Washington vs Toronto 2017 game 1 vibes.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

I truly believe we have a wicked counter attack game that's going to catch Columbus off guard badly.

Our new 3rd line looks fun as hell and Rielly looks back in full form. If Barrie can get his head on straight we got something great.

It'll definitely be interesting. Columbus is probably the best team at defending the rush in the league, but the Leafs are the best team at moving the puck up the ice. CBJ is going to struggle to generate offense mightily I think

 

[Moonman]

If I was them, they'd better come ready... Cuz if they don't, we are gonna beat them into a living death!

 

[saffronleaf]

We need to crush them in game 1 so that they don't get their hopes up. It's the merciful thing to do.

 

[saffronleaf]

If I was them, they'd better come ready... Cuz if they don't, we are gonna beat them into a living death!

Even if they do.

 

[RealisticLeaf55]

Wow it feels good to be back. Hockey in August? Perfect time to beat the jackets! Let's go Leafs and hello again HFLeafs! I missed you all.

 

[Dave92]

This still all comes down to Andersen. Guessing that if he can put up .905 + the Leafs win the series easily.

 

[LeafsOHLRangers98]

Should be. He was in the lineup against Boston.

I think Anderson is injured. He's a bruiser but coming off shoulder surgery so shouldn't be that big of an issue if he returns.

Anderson playing hurts Columbus' chances more than it does ours.

 

[Le Cobra]

Is there anywhere to watch the game while maintaining social distancing? Like Maple Leafs Square or some outdoor venue? I don’t have cable

 

[Le Cobra]

HYPE VIDEO:

 

[SlpLessInMuskoka18]

Kinda wish we had kadri after that vid lol damn guy getting suspended twice

 

[Koolboss]

Leafs game than Avs game
WB hockey

 

[Koolboss]

On the one hand I think we should dominate. On the other hand, this team breaks my heart, always.

I'm feeling very confident and very nervous at the same time

If this wasn't so soft Columbus is no match against us on paper.

 

[disgruntleddave]

Game day. So many different feelings going on after watching hockey all day yesterday.

Please no injuries off the bat. Worried CBJ style heavy play will not be matched by any similar intensity on our side and we'll get eliminated. Optimistic our guns will come through. I just don't know lol.

 

[SlpLessInMuskoka18]

Don't worry my guy! We got enough toughness to match you'll see. Our team isn't as soft as it once was.

 

[AvroArrow]

Kinda wish we had kadri after that vid lol damn guy getting suspended twice

Sucks. If the referees just did their jobs we would've had him for both series. Also the Parros/Boston problem.

 

[Gary Nylund]

It's finally happening!

 

[Dekes For Days]

That's funny - I heard the same, that Hawks kid (whathisname) supposedly broke the record for most points in a first playoff game . . . well, what is it? Playoff games for Chi-town, and non-playoff games for the Buds?
They have to make up their minds.

It's playoff games for everybody.

 

[BrannigansLaw]

Title needs to change to GDT! Wake up people

Let’s go! Dominate these suckas tonight