2021-22 Maple Leafs Thread

[Archer2012]

First they have to make the playoffs.
Then they have to make it past the first round.
They haven't made it past the first round in the last 17 years.
It's a long long road.
Toronto Maple Leafs Playoff History | 1918 - 2021 (champsorchumps.us)

In my humble opinion:
1/ The absolute first goal is to just make it past first round. Get that monkey off their back would be huge for the franchise.
2/ I have always felt the MLSE Brass meddled way to much with the Leafs Team - I had thought perhaps those days were over with Lou, Shanny, Babcock (in a normal world - who on the planet tells Babcock what to do regarding hockey). Apparently they still have their nose in it more than they should.
3/ Hindsight is always 20/20 however I still believe Mr. John T was the right guy to captain this squad - watch some tape and really watch the hits he takes / his fight for the puck / the abuse he takes net front. He doesn’t just glide around and pick up a big paycheque.
4/ Foligno again I felt was a great gritty talented addition to the team - yes in hindsight they overpaid but who knew he would hurt his back - just a weird injury and could happen to any player.
5/ Thorton was one of the best passers to ever play the game and probably still is up there - if he has just a bit of room watch out. Also a great Vet in the room. Yes is to slow for reg season

They injuries last year were what really impacted the Leafs.
Loosing a hard hat player like Hyman is a drag - watch him this year playing with McDavid - should be good.
Marner needs a real “crash bang” guy on his line to give him the little separation he needs to shine - he is very skilled - he dogs the puck where with Matthew’s it seems to stick to him.

Still firmly believe Dubas and Shanny should be gone, their re-build did not work and they have traded quite heavily to get the hand that still needs some repair.

Back to MLSE - they are in business to make money. Toronto with all their corp seats actually makes more dough when they are not doing as great - the corp guys give away tickets - people who don’t normally get to watch buy Leafs swag and hot dogs and beers way more than the corp guys who grab dinner at Harbour 60 and hardly drink a beer at the game (they head back for nightcaps at their restaurant of choice post game).

Just an old guys “two cents” . I will now circle the wagons and prepare for attack ha ha ha

 

[Darts]

In my humble opinion:
1/ The absolute first goal is to just make it past first round. Get that monkey off their back would be huge for the franchise.
2/ I have always felt the MLSE Brass meddled way to much with the Leafs Team - I had thought perhaps those days were over with Lou, Shanny, Babcock (in a normal world - who on the planet tells Babcock what to do regarding hockey). Apparently they still have their nose in it more than they should.
3/ Hindsight is always 20/20 however I still believe Mr. John T was the right guy to captain this squad - watch some tape and really watch the hits he takes / his fight for the puck / the abuse he takes net front. He doesn’t just glide around and pick up a big paycheque.
4/ Foligno again I felt was a great gritty talented addition to the team - yes in hindsight they overpaid but who knew he would hurt his back - just a weird injury and could happen to any player.
5/ Thorton was one of the best passers to ever play the game and probably still is up there - if he has just a bit of room watch out. Also a great Vet in the room. Yes is to slow for reg season

They injuries last year were what really impacted the Leafs.
Loosing a hard hat player like Hyman is a drag - watch him this year playing with McDavid - should be good.
Marner needs a real “crash bang” guy on his line to give him the little separation he needs to shine - he is very skilled - he dogs the puck where with Matthew’s it seems to stick to him.

Still firmly believe Dubas and Shanny should be gone, their re-build did not work and they have traded quite heavily to get the hand that still needs some repair.

Back to MLSE - they are in business to make money. Toronto with all their corp seats actually makes more dough when they are not doing as great - the corp guys give away tickets - people who don’t normally get to watch buy Leafs swag and hot dogs and beers way more than the corp guys who grab dinner at Harbour 60 and hardly drink a beer at the game (they head back for nightcaps at their restaurant of choice post game).

Just an old guys “two cents” . I will now circle the wagons and prepare for attack ha ha ha

Agree with all your points. I'll just add one more comment/point.

Their top 6 forwards definitely have all the physical skills. From where I sit, it seems the Leafs lack mental toughness ("killer instinct"?). I think that is why they lose a lot of elimination games (Boston, Columbus, Montreal).

Toronto Maple Leafs: Can Mitch Marner Recover from Dismal Playoffs? (editorinleaf.com)
Kristen Shilton: Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews at a loss to explain Leafs latest playoff flop - TSN.ca

 

[Fun For All]

Sometimes people over analyze playoff disappointments with doom and gloom assessment.

Tampa Bay got swept by Tampa Bay and recovered by winning two straight cups...lots of examples can be given like that...Islanders, Oilers, Red Wings...

 

[Darts]

I will now circle the wagons and prepare for attack ha ha ha

Doubt any of the intelligent, rational, knowledgeable and civil members (yes, they exist) will attack you. They will either agree, partially agree and/or respectfully disagree.

 

[John Wick]

....Tampa Bay got swept by Tampa Bay and recovered by winning two straight cups...lots of examples can be given like that....

Well, there you have it folks. It all makes sense now.

 

[Fun For All]

Well, there you have it folks. It all makes sense now.

It makes sense to the moderately knowledgeable fans...would you like me to explain it to you?

 

[Archer2012]

Agree with all your points. I'll just add one more comment/point.

Their top 6 forwards definitely have all the physical skills. From where I sit, it seems the Leafs lack mental toughness ("killer instinct"?). I think that is why they lose a lot of elimination games (Boston, Columbus, Montreal).

Toronto Maple Leafs: Can Mitch Marner Recover from Dismal Playoffs? (editorinleaf.com)
Kristen Shilton: Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews at a loss to explain Leafs latest playoff flop - TSN.ca

Absolutely, just look at Edmonton pre McDavid - they had quite the talent pool , with McDavid same - yes they needed a number one in net etc. etc. However on paper they should have been deep into playoffs and or even finals many times.
Playoff hockey is where the “off paper” intangibles come out - killer instinct / compete are among the top of them.
Teams need guys like Kenny “The Rat”, Marchand, Maroon, Shanny, Chelios (one dirty talented D man in his day).

 

[John Wick]

Opening night is upon us, and with the Leafs roster set (as a start) I'm discouraged to see some of the names still on the sheet...IMO ( and I could be proven wrong, of course) some guys just don't belong on an NHL-level roster at this point, particularly on a team that facies itself a serious Cup contender. Names like Engvall, Simmonds and Spezza standout in particular. One can only hope that Bunting can be a pleasant (if only temporary) surprise as a gap-fill until Matthews makes it back and the lines reset.

 

[Darts]

Opening night is upon us, and with the Leafs roster set (as a start) I'm discouraged to see some of the names still on the sheet...IMO ( and I could be proven wrong, of course) some guys just don't belong on an NHL-level roster at this point, particularly on a team that facies itself a serious Cup contender. Names like Engvall, Simmonds and Spezza standout in particular. One can only hope that Bunting can be a pleasant (if only temporary) surprise as a gap-fill until Matthews makes it back and the lines reset.

Nick Robertson was sent down to the Marlies but he's only 20 so lots of time to come back up (if and when).
Despite how well he did last year as a backup, this is the first time Jack Campbell is a (untested) number one goalie.
Looks like Morgan Rielly will play out his contract and test UFA in 2022.

 

[The Oracle]

SENS WIN !!!

Some pretty horrific officiating tonight I must say.......Mostly in my beloved Sens favour I admit.

Forsberg was spectacular for Ottawa. I like this new kid Parker Kelly as well.

 

[mellowjello]

I hope Campbell can stay healthy, I think he may be the real deal.
He tracks the puck so well in heavy traffic, perfect for this team who don't clear the front of the net very well.

 

[John Wick]

Nick Robertson was sent down to the Marlies but he's only 20 so lots of time to come back up (if and when)

No help coming from Robertson any time soon...non-displaced fracture of the fibula will have him out for at least 10 weeks. Yet another tough break for the kid. Was hoping we'd see him sooner than later.

 

[John Wick]

Next five games for the buds: SJ, PIT, Carolina, CHI and Detroit.. SJ, DET and CAR feel like they take the wins this time, but PIT is being devastated injuries and COVID, and CHI currently winless. What do the sports pundits say if they go 2W and 3L?

 

[shack]

Next five games for the buds: SJ, PIT, Carolina, CHI and Detroit.. SJ, DET and CAR feel like they take the wins this time, but PIT is being devastated injuries and COVID, and CHI currently winless. What do the sports pundits say if they go 2W and 3L?

Not good enough.

Can I now consider myself a sports pundit?

 

[chuckertmg]

Next five games for the buds: SJ, PIT, Carolina, CHI and Detroit.. SJ, DET and CAR feel like they take the wins this time, but PIT is being devastated injuries and COVID, and CHI currently winless. What do the sports pundits say if they go 2W and 3L?

San Jose played tonight in Ottawa so against the Leafs tomorrow they're on the second night of a back-to-back on the road, and it's still not certain if they'll be able to avoid the league's basement.

Glamphotographer would say: "Easy two points'.

 

[John Wick]

So, this train feels precariously close to rolling off the rails. Is CAR the team to push this squad and their management team into action mode?

 

[Darts]

So, this train feels precariously close to rolling off the rails.

Strange or maybe not. Leafs have lost all 3 games since Matthews (zero points) returned to the ice.

 

[bullitt]

who in your opinion, would be the first COACH to be replaced this year??.

 

[John Wick]

Jeff Blashill in Detroit would be my guess...

 

[glamphotographer]

San Jose played tonight in Ottawa so against the Leafs tomorrow they're on the second night of a back-to-back on the road, and it's still not certain if they'll be able to avoid the league's basement.

Glamphotographer would say: "Easy two points'.

Easy 2 pts for San Jose. The Leafs are going to have a rough first 20 games.