Leafs '22/'23 Thread

The Leafs played poorly and they deserved the loss. The called back goal created a bit of controversy (imo a hand pass by definition and a correct call) that deflected a lot of criticism. Justin Holl went from hero to goat with a give away pass that led to the winning goal. Jarnkrok took a stupid penalty just before that, but other than that I actually like him on the Tavares/Nylander line better than Malgin. The Leaf defence looked weak and overmatched in size and physicality.
 
The Leafs played poorly and they deserved the loss. The called back goal created a bit of controversy (imo a hand pass by definition and a correct call) that deflected a lot of criticism. Justin Holl went from hero to goat with a give away pass that led to the winning goal. Jarnkrok took a stupid penalty just before that, but other than that I actually like him on the Tavares/Nylander line better than Malgin. The Leaf defence looked weak and overmatched in size and physicality.
Leafs just weak mentally, don’t seem to be able to change it no matter who they bring in
 
Well, they gave Arizona their first win and they gave Dallas their first loss
 
Robertson looked dangerous when he’s on the ice. Hope this is the start of a great Leaf career. He brought enthusiasm that seemed lacking on the Leafs before he scored his first goal. I like how he took a hard hit and kept going to the net. On the winner he made a great stick save and started the 3 on 1 and Matthews made an unselfish pass to the rookie for the win.
 
Was at tonight’s game.
A win, but they looked bad.
Should’ve won just on power play chances alone!
Very unmotivated and dull.
Something’s wrong with Matthews too.
 
Was at tonight’s game.
A win, but they looked bad.
As I was just about to post. Between losing puck battles and getting beaten to the puck when it was free, I'd say Dallas won bout 80% of those puck posessions. The Leafs got outbattled.
 
Very unmotivated and dull.
Something’s wrong with Matthews too.

It‘s bad when your best player got cross checked and there was no response. Same thing when Marchment tried to run Marner through the boards. They’re going back to the “turn the other cheek” approach and giving the other teams free passes to run their best players. Their power play has no deterrent effect. Clifford and Simonds might have lost a step but could provide some push back; the fourth liners there now are not bringing anything of value either.
 
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Samsonov 3 wins no losses 1.96 GAA .927 Save %
Backups combined 0 wins 2 losses 3.50 GAA .829 Save %
 
Similar story to that with Dallas last night.

The Stars chose to rest their star goaltender who’s 3 - 0 and put in a career AHL backup who’s now 0 - 1, but they gave the Leafs 8 power plays in front of him so I don’t think they could have expected a different result.
 
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Similar story to that with Dallas last night.

The Stars chose to rest their star goaltender who’s 3 - 0 and put in a career AHL backup who’s now 0 - 1, but they gave the Leafs 8 power plays in front of him so I don’t think they could have expected a different result.
I didn't know he was the backup - he played amazing.
 
Fantastic game for Nick Robertson tonight. Great defensive play in OT that led to his own winner. He has a great shot. Guy deserves to stay in the NHL.

He was lucky as the Dallas forward had beat him and he was dead in his tracks. If not for a fluky behind the back stick check, Dallas would have had a 2 man break away.

He went from goat to hero in an instant.
 
He was lucky as the Dallas forward had beat him and he was dead in his tracks. If not for a fluky behind the back stick check, Dallas would have had a 2 man break away.

He went from goat to hero in an instant.
Robertson is not a defenseman. He's a forward and as a forward he made an excellent play.
He took the pass away without sprawling and stayed on this feet.
He forced Been to make a lateral move which allowed Matthews to catch him from behind.
Technically Benn didn't beat Robertson since it was Robertson who took the puck off of Benn for the turnover.
If he was beat the puck would have been out of reach.

 
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To me Nick Robertson has been the only bright spot on this team five games in. I never thought he had much high ceiling and this game changed my mind. He showed both tenacity and skills. I hope it’s not just a flash in the pan deal and he continues to develop.

As a side note, I was disappointed that Keefe had to walk back on his criticism on the ”elite” players on the team. When challenged (by Marner) he backed down and that seems to be a common attitude on this team.
 
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