What the hell was that?! Holy fuck. If the Leafs played like they did at after the 10 minute mark of the 3rd period, maybe they would have had a chance, but no. At least they did not go quietly into the night.
They could not even get the puck out of their damn zone in the first two periods. The only positive was to see another team, a Sharks team with a bigger momentum killing power play. They even allowed a short handed goal. Don't fool around, just get it out and chase the puck.
It just was not the Leafs' night tonight. No answer to the heavy forecheck. JVR missing a tap in. Raymond all alone in front of the net and he falls down, that's going to be in the blopper reel. JVR getting nailed by Phaneuf, best open ice hit he's throw this month.
Riemer was okay, but a couple of goals, the first one and the 4th one, could have Bernier stopped those?
The 3-1 goal and 4-1 goals were the turning point in the game. It started with the turnover by Peter Holland at the SJ blueline. I think Holland is a legitimate NHLer, who has future playing in the league, but he plays, more like he makes rookie mistakes like Kadri did two years ago. He gains the line uncontested, but inside of moving the puck forward he stops just inside the blueline, looks around, then gets knocked on his ass, play goes the other way, and they float a point shot into the net. Play a north south game damn it, especially if you are on the third line.
Again, we are back onto the topic of David Bolland. Obviously, Carlyle would have matched up Bolland against Big Joe Thorton. Since that option was not available, a small center, a even smaller center, a rookie center were the only options.
A game like tonight, you have to wonder what is best for the Leafs in the terms of the center position?
When the Leafs could not clear the zone, why not try Bolland between Kessel and JVR, just to settle things down?
Too pissed off. Too tired. Cannot rant anymore. Good night.
:cheer2: