There are reasons for concern.
The Leafs have always had a mental edge on the Sens and a bit of pressure by our boys and the Sens would fold. This series though, the Sens have battled back and shown heart and intensity I have never seen from them before.
The Leafs have always had a physical edge on the Sens. They could just ground them into dust and force them into submission. If hits were still being counted, I would bet the Sens would be leading the Leafs in hits and they are not love taps either.
I have watched Roberts, Tucker and Marchment limp away grimacing after Sens hits, when these guys are usually causing other players to do that.
The Sens are beating the Leafs to most pucks and we look quite slow and lacking in offensive flair comparatively.
Lalime (who was pegged to be Lalame) has shone and is now tied in goals scored on him with Eddie, even with Eddie having 3 SO's.
Speaking of the SO's, it is quite distressing that unless the Sens are shut out, we lose.
NOW...
With all of that said, why do I still beleaf?
The Leafs feed on adversity and for whatever reason (last year in Philly aside) they seem to save their best for when their back is against the wall.
It is a team full of vets who know how to reach down to another level and find a way to win.
I really think Sundin will come back, which in addition to what he brings skill and leadership wise, will also be a boost for the Leafs emotionally and a bit of an emotional let down for the Sens.
The Leafs fought hard for home ice and they will not allow themselves to sqaunder it. They will take advantage of the home ice they earned and will come out hard and take it to the Sens. Let's face it, the Leafs have yet to play a really good solid 60 minutes and one has to think that 9 captains, multiple Cup winners and vets can find it in themselves to get it done in a game 7 at home.
Last, but not least, giving up on the team sucks. One thing I learned during the whole "blow Leafs blow" thing, is that being a fan means sometimes they will play well and sometimes they won't, sometimes they'll win and sometimes they'll lose and through it all you either love and support them or you don't.
There is no middle ground, nor should there be.
Do I have well founded concerns? Yes!
Am I going to give up on the team and start thinking about next year? NO!
Why? It's because I am a fan and that is what fans do. They believe right to the bitter end and support their team win, lose or draw.
Leafs in 7
Go Leafs Go!
The Leafs have always had a mental edge on the Sens and a bit of pressure by our boys and the Sens would fold. This series though, the Sens have battled back and shown heart and intensity I have never seen from them before.
The Leafs have always had a physical edge on the Sens. They could just ground them into dust and force them into submission. If hits were still being counted, I would bet the Sens would be leading the Leafs in hits and they are not love taps either.
I have watched Roberts, Tucker and Marchment limp away grimacing after Sens hits, when these guys are usually causing other players to do that.
The Sens are beating the Leafs to most pucks and we look quite slow and lacking in offensive flair comparatively.
Lalime (who was pegged to be Lalame) has shone and is now tied in goals scored on him with Eddie, even with Eddie having 3 SO's.
Speaking of the SO's, it is quite distressing that unless the Sens are shut out, we lose.
NOW...
With all of that said, why do I still beleaf?
The Leafs feed on adversity and for whatever reason (last year in Philly aside) they seem to save their best for when their back is against the wall.
It is a team full of vets who know how to reach down to another level and find a way to win.
I really think Sundin will come back, which in addition to what he brings skill and leadership wise, will also be a boost for the Leafs emotionally and a bit of an emotional let down for the Sens.
The Leafs fought hard for home ice and they will not allow themselves to sqaunder it. They will take advantage of the home ice they earned and will come out hard and take it to the Sens. Let's face it, the Leafs have yet to play a really good solid 60 minutes and one has to think that 9 captains, multiple Cup winners and vets can find it in themselves to get it done in a game 7 at home.
Last, but not least, giving up on the team sucks. One thing I learned during the whole "blow Leafs blow" thing, is that being a fan means sometimes they will play well and sometimes they won't, sometimes they'll win and sometimes they'll lose and through it all you either love and support them or you don't.
There is no middle ground, nor should there be.
Do I have well founded concerns? Yes!
Am I going to give up on the team and start thinking about next year? NO!
Why? It's because I am a fan and that is what fans do. They believe right to the bitter end and support their team win, lose or draw.
Leafs in 7
Go Leafs Go!
