In order for Dubas to be re-signed, I think the Leafs need to make it to the third round and go at least 6-7 games deep in that series. Anything after that is not likely something you can drop on the GM's shoulders if it doesn't pan out all the way.
In response to those who seem to think bad luck was the main reason for the team’s repeated playoff failures, I would use the same logic to counter that in each of the past four playoff/play in series, the team had no worse than 50/50 chance against Washington, Columbus, Montreal and Tampa and they failed each time. The straight odds for that to happen would be 1 in 16 chances, not to mention that lost in similar fashion, i.e. had the lead and home ice advantage in the clinching game but choked at the most crucial moments.
That goes beyond just bad luck. Luck balances out in the long run and repeated failures over 4 seasons are a clear indication that this team as constructed by Dubas was not good enough for the playoffs.
One of my major complaints on Dubas was his ignorance of the importance of grit and toughness. His blue print for building a cup contender is totally based on skills and speed. I give him credit for finally trying to address that this year with some of the new additions but that’s too little too late imo.
‘’My second biggest complaint has been the imbalance of talents between offence and defence. I can’t think of any cup winner that didn’t have matching talent on defence to support the offence. With this Leaf defence core there’s nobody who has the matching talent of the four top forwards. That’s why the Leafs‘ offence was so easy to shut down in the playoffs because they get no support from a stud d man.
‘’Dubas’ trade annd drafting also leave a lot to be desired. The cupboard of blue chip prospects is pretty bare. There are a lot of hypes in Knies but until we actually see him play, he remains a suspect just like those over hyped rookies that we’ve seen time and again.
Nothing will please me more if this team goes on to win the cup and proves the big moron I am for being so anti Dubas, but I’ve been saying the same things since he was hired and I have yet to see any indication that I was wrong.
