Another game where the Leafs were badly out shot.
Another game where Riemer gives big juicy rebounds, one he actually jumped out to clear the puck himself pass the blueline out of the zone.
Another game with glaring giveaways from your best goal scorer and your best defensemen.
Another lack luster effort.
On the positive side, you already know what I am going to say! Yes! Another Leafs win!
I only saw the 3rd period, where the Leafs were up by 2 goals. I expect a big push, but I only saw one big push by Minnesota, which they didn't really have a great chance. So if you were the Leafs, you did okay, up by 2 goals in the 3rd and you only let the other team pressure you only once the entire period.
I think the Leafs played better in their own zone, and they were better in the other end too, with the cycle game. Slowly, I think the Leafs are rounding into form.
So many teams in the league today, and I think it has to do with the coaching, that end to end hockey means to them dump it in and forecheck in their end, then the other team dumps it in your zone and forechecks in your end. That end to end hockey to those teams.
The Leafs under Carlyle and the previous coach Wilson are different. The Leafs try to score on the rush. With Carlyle, he seeks more balance with top 2 lines skaters and player makers and the bottom 2 lines bangers.
You got to like this Leafs team. The wingers score. The centers make nice plays, like tonight with Bolland on the power play set up for a goal and that Kadri no look pass to Lupul for a goal the previous game. Like, what a play!
Then Riemer stops the puck but the pucks lays there on the blue paint, and quickly a player comes and takes it away, and that was Kadri. The Leafs centers are making plays at both ends of the ice.
If you were the other team, how do you beat the Leafs? Out work them, is a start, but better not allow a PP goal. Get a lead, but the Leafs seem to be able to come back. Get behind, and the Leafs forwards will be looking for more.