Leafs 2023-2024 Thread
- Thread starter glamphotographer
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Yes. I wasn't criticizing the Anaheim goalie. He was terrific. I was criticizing the Leafs for not making it more difficult for him.
The athems were definitely something different. I didn't mind listening to them.
What's different between this year's Leafs and previous iterations.
They still have the same core 5 who are not a menace to the opposition when they play but this team looks more gritty.
Of the core 5 Matthews, Nylander, Tavares, and Rielly are not small players. The Marchand incident may have been the turning point. The team is much more engaged in scrums. Much more willing to stand up for each other and it's not because of Reaves. It's more because of players like Knies, Domi, Bert, Benoit, Lagesson, McMann, Giordano, and McCabe. No heavy weights among the group but all willing to get right in there. The team is much more willing to finish off plays with hits as well and that includes Gregor. Ultimately though it's how gritty they look in the playoffs.
Treliving is known for liking big defensemen and that's a good thing. Hence Benoit and Lagesson out of nowhere. He may have missed on Reaves and Klingberg but they're both conveniently out with injuries. Bert is playing great. At no time has Tavares and Nylander had a winger this good. Ideal for the playoffs. He made an excellent pick up of Jones as well. Imagine the team without Jones right now. He of a 2.21 GAA and .930 SV% in 10 games played.
They still have the same core 5 who are not a menace to the opposition when they play but this team looks more gritty.
Of the core 5 Matthews, Nylander, Tavares, and Rielly are not small players. The Marchand incident may have been the turning point. The team is much more engaged in scrums. Much more willing to stand up for each other and it's not because of Reaves. It's more because of players like Knies, Domi, Bert, Benoit, Lagesson, McMann, Giordano, and McCabe. No heavy weights among the group but all willing to get right in there. The team is much more willing to finish off plays with hits as well and that includes Gregor. Ultimately though it's how gritty they look in the playoffs.
Treliving is known for liking big defensemen and that's a good thing. Hence Benoit and Lagesson out of nowhere. He may have missed on Reaves and Klingberg but they're both conveniently out with injuries. Bert is playing great. At no time has Tavares and Nylander had a winger this good. Ideal for the playoffs. He made an excellent pick up of Jones as well. Imagine the team without Jones right now. He of a 2.21 GAA and .930 SV% in 10 games played.
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They certainly showed some grit and heart in the game against LA. It looked more like a playoff game than regular season. Let's hope they continue on that path...
Boston, Florida, Toronto looks to be separating themselves from the rest of the field in the Division including TB.
Florida has won 7 in a row with the most recent being an 8 4 win over Colorado in Colorado. Not half way through the season yet but Leafs first round opponent looks to be either Boston or Florida.
Florida has won 7 in a row with the most recent being an 8 4 win over Colorado in Colorado. Not half way through the season yet but Leafs first round opponent looks to be either Boston or Florida.
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I'm glad I'm wrong. This game was setup to be a trap game but the 2 days off might have helped the Leafs. I think the flu bug is over with the Leafs.
Leafs have 3 players in the top 11 in shots on goal.
Have to get to top 15 before finding another team with more than 1 and that's Vegas.
Of the top 25 in shots Matthews has the highest shooting percentage at 18.63%
Interestingly Hyman is second at 18.52%
Of the top 100 in shots M Tkachuk has the lowest shooting percentage at 5.88% (8 goals on 136 shots)
Ovi is next at 5.97% (8 goals on 131 shots)
and this includes Defensemen.
Have to get to top 15 before finding another team with more than 1 and that's Vegas.
Of the top 25 in shots Matthews has the highest shooting percentage at 18.63%
Interestingly Hyman is second at 18.52%
Of the top 100 in shots M Tkachuk has the lowest shooting percentage at 5.88% (8 goals on 136 shots)
Ovi is next at 5.97% (8 goals on 131 shots)
and this includes Defensemen.
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Some people wanted to trade him for a bag of pucks. At least one TERB "expert" said he was a cancer in the dressing room.
I’ve been one of his worse critics (not haters) and even I’d say that I’ve enjoyed very much watching how Willy’s been playing this season. If we can get the same level of performance as he’s been giving this season for at least the next five years, this will be a good contract extension for the Leafs. He’s in his prime so that‘s not too much to expect barring serious injuries; but if he reverts back to his lackadaisical style, this extension will seriously hinder the Leafs’ ability to compete for the cup.
I look at it this way...if somebody is willing to pay it too them, then somebody must think they are worth it.
