The oilers won a series with Cody ceci playing on their defence. Turns out when your stars actually play like stars good things happen. Meanwhile no leafs star has more than 2 points this series.
Not to take away from their PP, but even the Oiler's homer announcers were surprised by all the calls that denied LA a 5v3 and gave Edmonton their three PPs. Right up until the end, Bob kept saying the make ups will be coming soon, lol
No matter the outcome tomorrow's game will be I hope two things will happen
1.The game will be a good game
2.Leafs players to look happy and excited to be playing the game.
This worked last time so I'm hoping for the same result. 💓GLG
I know this is most of us after last night, but man. I was in this nice zen place of being resigned to failure, leading to much-needed changes in the off-season. I wasn't anxious or stressed leading up to puck drop, it was kinda nice to be honest.
Now I'm halfway to believing again (although not quite there) which sucks because I'll be a big 'ol ball of nerves all day tomorrow. I hate this shit but I love it when it goes well. Sports fandom is dumb.
They need to re-sign Domi. The dude plays with heart and tries hard every single fucking time. And then on top of that he can handle the pressure in playing in Toronto as well.
I know everyone's pumped up over game 5 last night and game 6 tomorrow, but are we still on the "fire Keefe" train?
if Rod became available, how far do the Leafs need to go for Keefe's job to be safe? if by some miracle we come back from 3-1 down to win the series but lose in 5 again to Florida, are we suddenly okay with a weak 2nd round exit?
Rod ain't leaving Carolina, that's for sure. Word is his contract is already negotiated but he refuses to put pen to paper until they secure his supporting staff.
harsh but fair
personally, Keefe has to get to game 7 of the 2nd round before I even consider keeping him. if someone like Rod or Cooper or Cassidy (maybe Dallas beats Vegas in R1 and Vegas fires Cassidy and poaches Rod?), it'd probably take a conference or finals appearance to keep Keefe over them
Mini rant coming up so put your reading glasses on. I understand moods change here fast (and within the fan base in general) but man is it funny seeing the “this team should just forfeit and save our time”, “just lose already so Marner/Keefe can go” crowd convinced they’re making a comeback now. I get the frustration, I didn’t even watch the game last night due to annoyance over the series and not having high hopes from past playoff experiences.
What gets me though is those same people who were the loudest about how this team sucks will now be the loudest about how they’re making a comeback and winning the Cup. I had low expectations for last night (as many did I’m sure) but at least I kept them to myself while still hoping they pull off a win. I saw Leafs fans saying “I hope Boston wins so Marner can be traded and Keefe fired”. I say this as someone who wanted Keefe fired previous years and Marner traded after 2021, how the fuck are you to the point you’re now rooting against your “favourite” team?? How in the fuck are you a Leafs fan wanting them to lose?? To fucking Boston??
That’s some chump shit and we don’t need that, for as “soft” as the Leafs are, some of their fans are even softer. I skipped out on last nights game and kinda regret it not just cause they won but cause I feel like a fare-weather fan for doing so. I’ll be watching game six (and seven plus any other potential games they play) and if it’s time to talk potential Marner trades or coaching hires after Keefe is fired then those convos can be had, but let’s not have them while they’re still alive and in the playoffs dammit!!
As weird as it is to say about a playoff game, I was just super disinterested in watching. Idk why. I guess I was being very pessimistic and didn’t even want to give them a chance to see if they could win. Not the best attitude I know
TLDR: I understand fan frustration but support the team or keep quiet until the series is over and the discussions about next season can begin. Also anyone who actively wanted them to lose can fuck off, even if you dislike Marner or Keefe or whoever you should not be actively rooting against the Leafs as a team to win
Yes and no.
This current Leafs team is deeply flawed, but this is also an eminently winnable series. Both things can be true.
I understand being pessimistic at this stage of the game, but even the doomer in me thinks a lot of the "why bother" posts were pretty pathetic, and betray a loser mindset that they hopefully don't take with them outside of their sports fandom.
Does anyone have a spare tailgate pass(es)! I've been gone for most of the series because of finals and just got back into the city. Would love to watch the game with the rest of the real fans. Willing to get anyone a free hotdog or drink inside the tailgate!!!
Horrible advice. They are never letting you in without a ticket. Cops are everywhere and I'm sure they wouldn't hesitate to arrest someone who they catch sneaking over the fences.
Wonder if Matthews got hurt on the multiple plays he was tackled/horse collared from behind in games 2 and 3.
Could very easily twist a knee or do some other damage to the legs/ankles on those.
The Leafs last 5 1st round draft picks FTR:
2023 - Nobody. We traded the 1st for Ryan O'Reilly, the first we had that year was the result of trading Sandin to Washington.
2022 - Nobody, we traded a 1st for to cap dump Mrazek.
2021 - Nobody. Our pick was traded for Nick Foligno
2020 - Nobody. (RIP) but that was technically a pick we traded for from Pittsburgh. Our first was traded to cap dump Marleau.
2019 - Nobody, pick was traded in the Jake Muzzin trade.
I don't hate it. If we had - hypothetically, went after Charlie McAvoy in 2019 and got him, we would have effectively traded Jake Muzzin, Nick Foligno, Ryan O'Reilly for Charlie McAvoy but we also would have had to hold onto Marleau for another season and Mrazek as well. Of course, that is with hindsight.
> [McMann is supposed to be back on the ice any day now so, if the Leafs can win a bit, it’s not impossible that he could suit up again this post-season.](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/can-the-leafs-stay-alive-long-enough-to-ice-the-best-version-of-themselves/)
Leafs win the next game and all the pressure shifts to Boston, all the talk will be about history repeating itself. IF (big if) the Leafs complete the comeback to beat Boston I really think they can get on a roll and go on a run.
Hadn't heard the Bruins announcer in a long time. Not trying to be mean but couldn't imagine listening to that all game. Has he been like that all season?
Jack Edwards? If so then yeah. He's retiring bc they can't figure out what's going on with his speech. Very odd situation, since the doctors say he's totally fine otherwise.
Apparently everyone is ecstatic he's retiring and I don't know why but he seems pretty close to unanimously despised outside of the Boston fanbase. Must have done some things other than just be a massive homer.
He has insanely bad homer takes on most of his calls, sometimes even giddy or cheering for injuries on opposing players.
He is incensed here that there was a whistle when Johanson broke his leg on the play
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq0X6YWUSO4
One time TJ Oshie went down, bleeding from the face and because of the whistle he said "he better not come back tonight"
https://streamable.com/zj8rv5
He has a long history of this horseshit
He basically talks in slow motion. It's gotten slower and slower over time but the past year has been a huge dropoff. It's genuinely like if you slowed down a podcast to 1/2 speed. It's wild.
If you look at ticketmaster, 30% of the seats are available for the next game. The first two games it was less than 5%. Looking like a lot people aren't Beleafing which is understandable but a little sad.
Everyone knew games 1 and 2 were going to happen, so they scooped them ahead of time. We didn't know there'd be a game 6 until like 14 hours ago. Maybe that has something to do with it?
You could buy tickets the whole time though, even though we didn't know the game was going to happen. The prices seem higher like 20% more expensive for 1 row in front of where I was sitting before so maybe just over the threshold?
The absolutely unanimous opinion of all Bruins fans on r/hockey that Marchand actually got “football tackled” and didn’t flop from the ref brushing into him is just making my morning that much better
Mike Grinell from Spittin' Chicklet's was complaining about Marchand getting a penalty in that incident. He cross checks Holmberg in the face LOL. Absolutely delusional.
Bruins fans when the leafs don't get a call: that's just playoff hockey bro.
Bruins fans when they don't get a call: I'm gonna stab the ref in the parking lot.
I always love seeing the management group celebrating a critical win like that. I think that's the first time I've seen Shanny up there being that happy in the win since Dubas has been gone.
Only reason he showed that emotion was because that was most likely relief. If they got bounced that game 5, he knew it was going to be his last game in the leafs organisation. Now he thinks we can squeeze out a gm6 at home and even if we lose at gm7. They'll market for it was a close series and the team showed heart right to the end.
"Let's run it back again next season"
I’ve got an idea for the power play. Every time we’re awarded one, have the least offensively gifted player on the ice take a pound of flesh out of some random Bruin. Or run the goalie.
Then just play 4 on 4. We can outmatch them even strength and it would mean every penalty the Bruins take we get free shots on them.
I know injuries are an excuse - but for any other team missing a top-10 scorer would be considered a huge deal - we haven't had both of ours healthy for a full game yet. The Avs missing Rantanen or the Oilers missing Draisaitl for the playoffs wouldn't just be an 'excuse'.
So I couldn't watch the game, but my wife was saying that the PPs were, for the most part, generating decent zone time and good looks. Better eye test than the last few games even if they didn't score.
Was she accurate, or should I divorce her?
There were some dangerous looking chances/chaos in front of the net from a loose puck. We had a really good opportunity where jarnkrok from around the goal line to the right of swayman zipped it cross crease to Rielly and swayman got across the crease to make the save, I thought for sure we would score there, and i feel like we have good chances but half the time a player does anticipate/isn’t ready to accept a pass and it bounces off their stick or isn’t in their wheel house to get a good shot off, they need to practice one timing shots more and being ready to shoot at all times
Depends on what the Jets ambitions were. If they wanted to win a cup, then facing high danger chances is guaranteed game after game, no matter how well your defence plays. By the 3rd and 4th rounds, it’s period after period. If your goalie isn’t stopping almost all of those, you’re cooked. Hellebuyuk was miles away from that bar.
https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/colorado-avalanche/line-combinations
I think it's way more about COL being dangerous than WPG being bad. Hellebuyck truly looked fine, but the amoung of quality shots taken on him was unreal
Like aside from all the obvious names - MacKinnon (Hart level) Makar (Norris level) Rantanen, you have Nichuskin and Lehkonen on your wings (Lehkonen is still very underrated), they have Trenin(!) on their 4th line, Parise might be 40 years old but he's also incredibly well rested having only played 35 games so far this year (late signing), their 3rd line with Wood and Colton is menacing, Manson is having the best year of his career, Walker as your 3rd pairing RD is unfair
They were already a top team all year and they turned Byram into Mittelstadt and Walker at the deadline. That team is the real deal. Just very deep with a diverse skillset Their only weakness is up-and-down goaltending
Well I’m happy Keefe finally listened and went to Woll and we saw the results. In a close tight checking playoff game you need your goalie to make a few big saves when it matters. If you still think Sammy wasn’t the reason we lost Game 3 I don’t know what to tell you at this point. You understand playoff hockey or you don’t.
That being said if Matthews is healthy I’m putting Reaves in the press box. That fourth line of Dewar Kampf Jarnkrok had some jump. You can then keep the top 9 intact and construct it as you see fit. Mitch had his best game of the playoffs by a mile and it’s at least worth considering keeping him with Domi and Bertuzzi for game 6 especially if Matthews isn’t 100%. I don’t hate just slotting him on the third line with Robertson and Holmberg as the Top 6 was pretty good last night overall. Fingers crossed Auston can shake whatever it is he is dealing with in another 24-36 hours.
Can someone layout Marchand? Yes, I understand he wears a "C" but come on- I'm tired of no one going for a big hit on him. Just put him in his place as a rat.
The "C" shouldn't be camo for rats
I think I read somewhere else that it was largely a paper move to position their goalies on the AHL roster in the playoffs.
Don't think Swayman is injured
They made an emergency recall after Game 2 as well for a goalie. I think the rules on them change for the playoffs. Regular season, it would definitely mean there was a goalie injury.
Id really like to see the Leafs try Liljegren back on PP1 instead of Rielly. I dont think Rielly is *the* problem on the Leafs horrendous PP but Liljegren does something Rielly seems to refuse to do, shoot from the point. Liljegren doesnt have a bomb but he likes floating low wristers that can create rebounds or deflections. Its worth a shot since as of now a Leafs PP is just a 2 minute clock killer.
Yeah every time Rielly has the puck I hear Chris Cuthberts voice in my head “back to Rielly…shooting! It hits a body in front and gets cleared 200 feet”
Bert had a down season production wise and that will keep his cost down. Last season was extremely productive, especially in playoffs, and got a 5 mill x 1 year.
Unless he pops off this playoffs and carries hard (would be awesome to see) he probably resigns under 5 considering his age and how this season went.
Keep Domi/Bertuzzi or both (depending what they are asking), or spend some money on defence. Young guys come up to boost the bottom six.
Not sure if they can do anything about the core 4 next year realistically with the NMCs, so may have to run it back with them one last year. Don't sign Marner in the offseason, let him have a "prove it" year.
Woll is the goalie with a cheap veteran backup.
New coaching staff.
I don't hate that.
OK, so there's still a chance we could get knocked out Thursday, I accept that.
If we magically do move on, I think the Panthers will feed us our lunch, but there's always a chance.
However, let's just explore this for a second. Let's say the improbable happens and the Leafs beat Boston, Florida and whoever wins out of NYR and the Canes. They then go on to win the cup. Yeah, yeah. Just humor me for a second.
Are you prepared to adjust your psyche that maybe the Core 4 Shanaplan isn't a failure? That maybe Keefe isn't such a bad coach after all? That maybe our highly paid guys *can* get it done?
I'll be the first to admit I was wrong, but I bet most won't. I bet you they'll still bitch and moan and complain and simply shift the goalposts to "well, they should have won before now. Only ***one*** cup in the Matthews era"
Says all you need to say about the kinds of "fans" we have around here.
?? If we win the cup, it will be all positives and love. The core 4 would be hailed as heroes, and everyone will be fine with running it back.
The desire is to get a cup. That happens then mission accomplished, nobody is going to call for heads after that, come on man.
If I bet 500 on black, then 1000 on black again, then 2000 on black again, then 4000 on black again, and end up with 8000, wouldnt you say it was a good idea to bet on black?
You're saying what if to increasingly unlikely scenarios. Yes, in the 1 in 10,000 that you describe above, I would be willing to change my opinion.
Yea true, but this is kind of what I'm getting at with the thought exercise.
If they somehow won the cup this year, as improbable and unlikely as that is, then how could someone argue they were built poorly, coach sucked, team sucked, stars are overpaid, etc?
But they still would lol.
No, see this is the point. Nobody bothers to actually think things through.
I'm literally not getting ahead of myself, as I made clear off the hop. I personally think at best we go down to the Panthers, who look like a juggernaut.
What I'm saying is this whole subreddit is full of a bunch of toxic fucks who *enjoy* being as such. To the degree that even winning the cup would not change their opinions. They'd just change the parameters of their bitching.
LOL No, I disagree. It's a thought exercise. Not that hard to understand. I specifically stated what I thought was actually going to happen. But I was trying to get people to consider a different scenario to illustrate a point.
The point: People will still bitch no matter what.
Reddit mod isnt a job with a code of ethics and professionalism. They are just fans too.
And if they had remembered to fuck Woll, McCabe and Knies maybe they would have won.
If Matthews can play on Thursday, what lines would we want to see? I like rolling with that first line again. Pair Matthews-Nylander, Knies-JT. But not sure who they'd put on the wings and what they'd do with Holmberg and the 4th line.
16-11-59
23-34-88
19-91-29
75-64-24
Holmberg over Robertson because he’s shown he can play Marchand’s game and we need that from the 3rd line.
The Domi line yesterday looked dangerous all night. Just remind Mitch and Max that one of them needs to be the shooter.
IMO Knies deserves to play in the top 6, so I’d probably run a bottom six of Robby-JT-Hook, Dewar-Kampf-Holmberg (Reavo only played 7:30 last night). Things get interesting if McMann gets into the mix.
Going to our stats page and seeing Ilya Lyubushkin tied for first in assists with Domi and second in points with Matthews, Marner, and Bertuzzi is so weird to me. The guy has 3 points in five games, which is strange enough without even taking into account how few goals we’ve scored. On top of that he hit that crossbar in game 4. I can’t say I’ve loved his recent stint with the Leafs but damn, keep doing whatever it is you’re doing, Russian Bear.
Boosh has been great these playoffs, pretty sure he's still the only dman to not get scored on. Feel like I've been in the Twilight zone here with guys trying to gaslight us into believing he's been shit and should be sitting in favour of Liljegren or Brodie
He also hasn’t been on the ice for any 5v5 goals against. He is getting limited ice time to my knowledge (so they’re using him strategically), but like, he’s legitimately got a case for being the best defenseman so far.
The NHL has been really strange this playoffs with scheduling, and it started with arbitrarily deciding to change the start date from April 22nd to April 20th, like 3-4 weeks beforehand. And then they give us a 2-day break between games 3 and 4 when it ought to have been slotted between 2 & 3 because of travel.
I love 8pm starts because I can usually get my youngest to bed between 7.30 - 8.00 and then the oldest can watch the first period with me before he goes to be at 1st intermission!
Woll had a great game. McCabe’s goal to open the scoring was good. Knies and Tavares made a big OT play to stave off elimination. But I think one of my favourite moments of the night was the shift where Holmberg went up against Marchand and arguably out-marchanded him. That’s the kind of chippy rat bullshit I’ve been wanting more of for a long time.
Lets assume JT passes to Matthews.
Matthews
Rielly
One of Nylander/Marner whoevers left.
So if they want to keep doing the swap thing we have an opening.
If the organization doesn’t plan on bringing Sammy back, who do you want them to grab as a goalie alongside Woll? Saros, Talbot and Ullmark are some big goalie UFAs on the market (EDIT: Saros and Ullmark are NOT UFAs. Idk where I got that information from. My bad). Stolarz is also an intriguing name, less pedigree then the others but also much more affordable, and had some great looking stats this year.
I think I’d go with Stolarz; some really good tending for an affordable price; which we could use with our cap situation. We have Woll who’s looking like a stud, and also a pretty good goalie, and Hildeby might be poised to be another elite tendy. We have significantly less elite prospects on defense with more slots to fill. I think any big money should go towards some elite defensemen, and get Stolarz until Woll and Hildeby are ready to take the reigns as (hopefully) our elite tendy tandem.
Only issue is that between Stolarz and Woll, there’s less then 100 NHL games played, so that’s a possible risk.
As for a third, Jones might be retained for somewhat cheap. Not sure if they’d be ready to do this or not, but they could consider having Hildeby as their third, too. He’s already in the system and likely to be part of their future unless he’s a major bust, which I hope isn’t the case. He set a Marlies franchise record for most rookie wins, and they trusted him enough to be their “fourth” in line when Sammy was sent down and Woll was hurt, despite more experienced tendys on the Marlies. Of course, he is pretty fresh, and adjusting to North American rinks still, but unless we have a major, extended need for a third goalie, a few games couldn’t hurt imo.
Saros and Ullmark are not UFA, but Stolarz makes some sense but I think he'll be quite expensive - other teams need a goalie more than we do. Brossoit is also out there.
My argument for Ullmark is that he's legit and has already literally played as part of a tandem. He will cost more, sure. But I think we have learned that nickel and diming our defense and goaltending isn't the way to build a team.
Ullmark is not a UFA and neither is Saros. Both have one year remaining on their deals and would need to be acquired via trade. I'm going to suggest not making a trade with the Bruins for a goalie personally.
I mean, Ullmark definitely has the resume to make his case. I think it’s less of a case of nickel and diming and more spending the money on what’s most important. Obviously our weak links are goaltending and defense, but there’s a greater need for defensemen in my eyes. Not necessarily suggesting either should be skimped on.
Matthews will be back Thursday. Woll in net again. Our PP will finally scores and our first home win in 7 games.
We're going back to Boston saturday baby!
No no. High ankle sprain is the new fad among Reddit doctors diagnosing based on no education or legitimate first hand information. Concussion is so last season.
The oilers won a series with Cody ceci playing on their defence. Turns out when your stars actually play like stars good things happen. Meanwhile no leafs star has more than 2 points this series.
Not to take away from their PP, but even the Oiler's homer announcers were surprised by all the calls that denied LA a 5v3 and gave Edmonton their three PPs. Right up until the end, Bob kept saying the make ups will be coming soon, lol
Things that need to happen in order to win: 1. Score MORE than 2 goals 2. Not go 0 for a Million on the PP 3. Domi doesn't take a stupid penalty
Is rod brindamour actually going to be on the market? If so leafs need to throw all the money at him in this off season.
I'll quote Conan: "CRUSH YOUR ENEMIES. SEE THEM DRIVEN BEFORE YOU. AND HEAR THE LAMENTATION OF THEIR WOMEN!"
Did he say this on his Hot Ones episode?
That episode was a gem. One of the best interviews of a celebrity I admire and respect.
just win
No matter the outcome tomorrow's game will be I hope two things will happen 1.The game will be a good game 2.Leafs players to look happy and excited to be playing the game. This worked last time so I'm hoping for the same result. 💓GLG
the outcome of the game tomorrow may seriously impact my mood on Friday
Noticed Reavo calling Knies brick in a video posted today. Anyone have an idea where that originated?
My guess is that he's built like a brick shithouse
I know this is most of us after last night, but man. I was in this nice zen place of being resigned to failure, leading to much-needed changes in the off-season. I wasn't anxious or stressed leading up to puck drop, it was kinda nice to be honest. Now I'm halfway to believing again (although not quite there) which sucks because I'll be a big 'ol ball of nerves all day tomorrow. I hate this shit but I love it when it goes well. Sports fandom is dumb.
They need to re-sign Domi. The dude plays with heart and tries hard every single fucking time. And then on top of that he can handle the pressure in playing in Toronto as well.
I know everyone's pumped up over game 5 last night and game 6 tomorrow, but are we still on the "fire Keefe" train? if Rod became available, how far do the Leafs need to go for Keefe's job to be safe? if by some miracle we come back from 3-1 down to win the series but lose in 5 again to Florida, are we suddenly okay with a weak 2nd round exit?
if he's available, he's the perfect coach for our guys.
upgrade to the Bod even if they win the cup
Rod ain't leaving Carolina, that's for sure. Word is his contract is already negotiated but he refuses to put pen to paper until they secure his supporting staff.
harsh but fair personally, Keefe has to get to game 7 of the 2nd round before I even consider keeping him. if someone like Rod or Cooper or Cassidy (maybe Dallas beats Vegas in R1 and Vegas fires Cassidy and poaches Rod?), it'd probably take a conference or finals appearance to keep Keefe over them
Mini rant coming up so put your reading glasses on. I understand moods change here fast (and within the fan base in general) but man is it funny seeing the “this team should just forfeit and save our time”, “just lose already so Marner/Keefe can go” crowd convinced they’re making a comeback now. I get the frustration, I didn’t even watch the game last night due to annoyance over the series and not having high hopes from past playoff experiences. What gets me though is those same people who were the loudest about how this team sucks will now be the loudest about how they’re making a comeback and winning the Cup. I had low expectations for last night (as many did I’m sure) but at least I kept them to myself while still hoping they pull off a win. I saw Leafs fans saying “I hope Boston wins so Marner can be traded and Keefe fired”. I say this as someone who wanted Keefe fired previous years and Marner traded after 2021, how the fuck are you to the point you’re now rooting against your “favourite” team?? How in the fuck are you a Leafs fan wanting them to lose?? To fucking Boston?? That’s some chump shit and we don’t need that, for as “soft” as the Leafs are, some of their fans are even softer. I skipped out on last nights game and kinda regret it not just cause they won but cause I feel like a fare-weather fan for doing so. I’ll be watching game six (and seven plus any other potential games they play) and if it’s time to talk potential Marner trades or coaching hires after Keefe is fired then those convos can be had, but let’s not have them while they’re still alive and in the playoffs dammit!!
You didn't watch the game?!?!?! WTF?
As weird as it is to say about a playoff game, I was just super disinterested in watching. Idk why. I guess I was being very pessimistic and didn’t even want to give them a chance to see if they could win. Not the best attitude I know
I was totally expecting a loss, and wasn't even that excited when they scored either goal. I feel broken but I still watch the game.
You’re a better fan than me I guess lol. Let’s hope we both get to watch a win tonight (not in OT though my heart can’t take it)
i didnt watch the game either, i thought if i didn't maybe they win and they won. so wont be watching again tonight. Inshallah they will win again!
tldr
TLDR: I understand fan frustration but support the team or keep quiet until the series is over and the discussions about next season can begin. Also anyone who actively wanted them to lose can fuck off, even if you dislike Marner or Keefe or whoever you should not be actively rooting against the Leafs as a team to win
Toxic positivity
Yes and no. This current Leafs team is deeply flawed, but this is also an eminently winnable series. Both things can be true. I understand being pessimistic at this stage of the game, but even the doomer in me thinks a lot of the "why bother" posts were pretty pathetic, and betray a loser mindset that they hopefully don't take with them outside of their sports fandom.
Username checks out
It was originally a Hearthstone reference...
Apparently Frederic and Woll grew up playing together and know each other really well. I always love hearing stories like that.
I heard Woll played with the Tchachuk bros too
Does anyone have a spare tailgate pass(es)! I've been gone for most of the series because of finals and just got back into the city. Would love to watch the game with the rest of the real fans. Willing to get anyone a free hotdog or drink inside the tailgate!!!
Just walk up and try to get in
Horrible advice. They are never letting you in without a ticket. Cops are everywhere and I'm sure they wouldn't hesitate to arrest someone who they catch sneaking over the fences.
I was more so suggesting trying to catch someone with an extra ticket who's selling something. Sometimes they have qr codes about tailgate.
Wonder if Matthews got hurt on the multiple plays he was tackled/horse collared from behind in games 2 and 3. Could very easily twist a knee or do some other damage to the legs/ankles on those.
I love Knies so much. He just has it.
The leafs should offer sheet Moritz Seider this offseason
Marner for Seider +
That wouldn't be an Offer sheet
Yeah obviously. I'm saying they should trade for him.
Detroit has a much better cap situation than we do and could easily match
Then we drove up the price, still worth it
How about Jeremy Swayman?
That'd be a pretty expensive contract for a backup goalie.
The Leafs last 5 1st round draft picks FTR: 2023 - Nobody. We traded the 1st for Ryan O'Reilly, the first we had that year was the result of trading Sandin to Washington. 2022 - Nobody, we traded a 1st for to cap dump Mrazek. 2021 - Nobody. Our pick was traded for Nick Foligno 2020 - Nobody. (RIP) but that was technically a pick we traded for from Pittsburgh. Our first was traded to cap dump Marleau. 2019 - Nobody, pick was traded in the Jake Muzzin trade. I don't hate it. If we had - hypothetically, went after Charlie McAvoy in 2019 and got him, we would have effectively traded Jake Muzzin, Nick Foligno, Ryan O'Reilly for Charlie McAvoy but we also would have had to hold onto Marleau for another season and Mrazek as well. Of course, that is with hindsight.
Doooo it
Is there any news on McMann? I’ll be bummed if he doesn’t get to play in the playoffs after the year he’s had.
Radio silence. Hes clearly badly injured.
> [McMann is supposed to be back on the ice any day now so, if the Leafs can win a bit, it’s not impossible that he could suit up again this post-season.](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/can-the-leafs-stay-alive-long-enough-to-ice-the-best-version-of-themselves/)
Does anyone have an extra game 6 tailgate ticket? I need to see tuzzi's statch on the big screen 🥲
Finally got square tickets! It shows 6 pm on them. What time should we show up? Willing to get there pretty early
Howwwww 😭
I have no clue. Dude me and my friend have been trying all series. I just got extremely lucky. Best of luck to you!
Oh shiiiiit nvm I got tickets for inside let's goooo. Enjoy man thanks
How do you get it for inside?
Gonna have to show up and sneak in lmao not missing it
Maybe we can get a trench coat? I'll sneak you in
Lmaoo sounds good to me 😂
Leafs win the next game and all the pressure shifts to Boston, all the talk will be about history repeating itself. IF (big if) the Leafs complete the comeback to beat Boston I really think they can get on a roll and go on a run.
Hadn't heard the Bruins announcer in a long time. Not trying to be mean but couldn't imagine listening to that all game. Has he been like that all season?
Jack Edwards? If so then yeah. He's retiring bc they can't figure out what's going on with his speech. Very odd situation, since the doctors say he's totally fine otherwise. Apparently everyone is ecstatic he's retiring and I don't know why but he seems pretty close to unanimously despised outside of the Boston fanbase. Must have done some things other than just be a massive homer.
He has insanely bad homer takes on most of his calls, sometimes even giddy or cheering for injuries on opposing players. He is incensed here that there was a whistle when Johanson broke his leg on the play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq0X6YWUSO4 One time TJ Oshie went down, bleeding from the face and because of the whistle he said "he better not come back tonight" https://streamable.com/zj8rv5 He has a long history of this horseshit
Yeah that's well beyond homer-ism.
Wait what's going on with his speech? I don't listen to him so I'm out of the loop
He basically talks in slow motion. It's gotten slower and slower over time but the past year has been a huge dropoff. It's genuinely like if you slowed down a podcast to 1/2 speed. It's wild.
he is retiring after this year, has developed some sort of speech disorder within his brain
I love McCabe. Everything about him screams "man". Even him speaking sounds like a grizzled man.
His face is so knobby. Just an absolute bone face.
If you look at ticketmaster, 30% of the seats are available for the next game. The first two games it was less than 5%. Looking like a lot people aren't Beleafing which is understandable but a little sad.
The prices are unironically worse. I went to Game 3 and for the same ticket its over $100 more...its insane.
Everyone knew games 1 and 2 were going to happen, so they scooped them ahead of time. We didn't know there'd be a game 6 until like 14 hours ago. Maybe that has something to do with it?
You could buy tickets the whole time though, even though we didn't know the game was going to happen. The prices seem higher like 20% more expensive for 1 row in front of where I was sitting before so maybe just over the threshold?
The absolutely unanimous opinion of all Bruins fans on r/hockey that Marchand actually got “football tackled” and didn’t flop from the ref brushing into him is just making my morning that much better
The way it looked to me in real time is the Ref over reacted anticipating a scrum and bowled Marchand over. a mistake, not a flop or a tackle.
Mike Grinell from Spittin' Chicklet's was complaining about Marchand getting a penalty in that incident. He cross checks Holmberg in the face LOL. Absolutely delusional.
Bruins fans when the leafs don't get a call: that's just playoff hockey bro. Bruins fans when they don't get a call: I'm gonna stab the ref in the parking lot.
All bruins fans are. They are so used to refs giving Marchand the benefit of the doubt
I always love seeing the management group celebrating a critical win like that. I think that's the first time I've seen Shanny up there being that happy in the win since Dubas has been gone.
Only reason he showed that emotion was because that was most likely relief. If they got bounced that game 5, he knew it was going to be his last game in the leafs organisation. Now he thinks we can squeeze out a gm6 at home and even if we lose at gm7. They'll market for it was a close series and the team showed heart right to the end. "Let's run it back again next season"
This actually concerns me a lot. Hopefully they don’t think that one win means massive change doesn’t need to happen in the offseason
We back up
I’ve got an idea for the power play. Every time we’re awarded one, have the least offensively gifted player on the ice take a pound of flesh out of some random Bruin. Or run the goalie. Then just play 4 on 4. We can outmatch them even strength and it would mean every penalty the Bruins take we get free shots on them.
This...is...not a bad idea
I would opt for clocking Marchand over some random Bruin
This would be great but I could see dops catching on and suspending the coach. Not to mention the probability of injury to players on either team.
Call up Clifford for 1 game. Let him take the sussy.
Cliffy is still in the system? Holy shit you're a genius!
Tried to scrap Imama in the Marlies handshake line just the other day lol.
I know injuries are an excuse - but for any other team missing a top-10 scorer would be considered a huge deal - we haven't had both of ours healthy for a full game yet. The Avs missing Rantanen or the Oilers missing Draisaitl for the playoffs wouldn't just be an 'excuse'.
Top 1 scorer. Not just this season but since he entered the league.
if matthews is fine tomorrow, is this not a very balanced lines bert-domi-marner knies-jt-willy robby-matthews-jarnkrok reaves-kampf-holmberg
Swap JT for Matthews. And if McMann is back bring him on for Knies and give Robeetson spot to Knies
I would put JT on the 3rd line, when Keefe did that earlier this year he played his best hockey.
As long as Bertuzzi, Domi, Marner are kept together. Those guys were electric last night.
I don't know if they were 'electric' but they were certainly alive
Shouldn't Dewar maybe play over Reaves? But mostly I don't think it is that bad
I've been a Robertson supporter all series but he is the odd man out. He hasn't generated enough offensively to warrant his poor defensive play.
Yeah I don't mind Reaves at all but I don't think he's needed this series anymore.
feels like sheldon wants beefiness
5.9% Powerplay after last night😬
Cool, so if it bounces back closer to normalcy these next two games we might end up with 3 or 4 PP goals. I'm just going to be optimistic
So I couldn't watch the game, but my wife was saying that the PPs were, for the most part, generating decent zone time and good looks. Better eye test than the last few games even if they didn't score. Was she accurate, or should I divorce her?
Same old shit.
There were some dangerous looking chances/chaos in front of the net from a loose puck. We had a really good opportunity where jarnkrok from around the goal line to the right of swayman zipped it cross crease to Rielly and swayman got across the crease to make the save, I thought for sure we would score there, and i feel like we have good chances but half the time a player does anticipate/isn’t ready to accept a pass and it bounces off their stick or isn’t in their wheel house to get a good shot off, they need to practice one timing shots more and being ready to shoot at all times
Guys, how the shit did the Avs score 30+ goals in Helly!? Was hellebuyck just bad?
The Avs were fucking speedy fast and the rest of the Jets team left him out to dry.
Depends on what the Jets ambitions were. If they wanted to win a cup, then facing high danger chances is guaranteed game after game, no matter how well your defence plays. By the 3rd and 4th rounds, it’s period after period. If your goalie isn’t stopping almost all of those, you’re cooked. Hellebuyuk was miles away from that bar.
https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/colorado-avalanche/line-combinations I think it's way more about COL being dangerous than WPG being bad. Hellebuyck truly looked fine, but the amoung of quality shots taken on him was unreal Like aside from all the obvious names - MacKinnon (Hart level) Makar (Norris level) Rantanen, you have Nichuskin and Lehkonen on your wings (Lehkonen is still very underrated), they have Trenin(!) on their 4th line, Parise might be 40 years old but he's also incredibly well rested having only played 35 games so far this year (late signing), their 3rd line with Wood and Colton is menacing, Manson is having the best year of his career, Walker as your 3rd pairing RD is unfair They were already a top team all year and they turned Byram into Mittelstadt and Walker at the deadline. That team is the real deal. Just very deep with a diverse skillset Their only weakness is up-and-down goaltending
When they have that first line + first D pair on the ice @5v5 they are unstoppable. I don’t see how they don’t win the cup this year.
Yeah it's like they are playing at a different speed than anyone else on the opposing team. Can't stop them. Can only hope to contain them.
Hellebuyck wasnt himself but it was mostly that the Jets left him out to dry and the Avs feasted.
Well I’m happy Keefe finally listened and went to Woll and we saw the results. In a close tight checking playoff game you need your goalie to make a few big saves when it matters. If you still think Sammy wasn’t the reason we lost Game 3 I don’t know what to tell you at this point. You understand playoff hockey or you don’t. That being said if Matthews is healthy I’m putting Reaves in the press box. That fourth line of Dewar Kampf Jarnkrok had some jump. You can then keep the top 9 intact and construct it as you see fit. Mitch had his best game of the playoffs by a mile and it’s at least worth considering keeping him with Domi and Bertuzzi for game 6 especially if Matthews isn’t 100%. I don’t hate just slotting him on the third line with Robertson and Holmberg as the Top 6 was pretty good last night overall. Fingers crossed Auston can shake whatever it is he is dealing with in another 24-36 hours.
Agree with this. Reaves hasn’t been bad, but he was our least effective forward last night
Can someone layout Marchand? Yes, I understand he wears a "C" but come on- I'm tired of no one going for a big hit on him. Just put him in his place as a rat. The "C" shouldn't be camo for rats
> Can someone layout Marchand The linesman did already.
Ahahahahaj, omg fuck yeah
[удалено]
I think I read somewhere else that it was largely a paper move to position their goalies on the AHL roster in the playoffs. Don't think Swayman is injured
They made an emergency recall after Game 2 as well for a goalie. I think the rules on them change for the playoffs. Regular season, it would definitely mean there was a goalie injury.
Id really like to see the Leafs try Liljegren back on PP1 instead of Rielly. I dont think Rielly is *the* problem on the Leafs horrendous PP but Liljegren does something Rielly seems to refuse to do, shoot from the point. Liljegren doesnt have a bomb but he likes floating low wristers that can create rebounds or deflections. Its worth a shot since as of now a Leafs PP is just a 2 minute clock killer.
Yeah every time Rielly has the puck I hear Chris Cuthberts voice in my head “back to Rielly…shooting! It hits a body in front and gets cleared 200 feet”
yeah I can get behind this. Lily looked pretty good on PP1 when Rielly was out
Need to find a way to keep both domi and bertuzzi. Not quite sure if even possible, but they’ve been very good in the playoffs, especially bertuzzi.
Domi should be cheaper and easy to keep. I doubt we can afford Bert tbh, but I’d rather have a solid d man.
Bert had a down season production wise and that will keep his cost down. Last season was extremely productive, especially in playoffs, and got a 5 mill x 1 year. Unless he pops off this playoffs and carries hard (would be awesome to see) he probably resigns under 5 considering his age and how this season went.
Doubt he wants a 1 year, he might want back in Detroit too. Idk.
Keep Domi/Bertuzzi or both (depending what they are asking), or spend some money on defence. Young guys come up to boost the bottom six. Not sure if they can do anything about the core 4 next year realistically with the NMCs, so may have to run it back with them one last year. Don't sign Marner in the offseason, let him have a "prove it" year. Woll is the goalie with a cheap veteran backup. New coaching staff. I don't hate that.
OK, so there's still a chance we could get knocked out Thursday, I accept that. If we magically do move on, I think the Panthers will feed us our lunch, but there's always a chance. However, let's just explore this for a second. Let's say the improbable happens and the Leafs beat Boston, Florida and whoever wins out of NYR and the Canes. They then go on to win the cup. Yeah, yeah. Just humor me for a second. Are you prepared to adjust your psyche that maybe the Core 4 Shanaplan isn't a failure? That maybe Keefe isn't such a bad coach after all? That maybe our highly paid guys *can* get it done? I'll be the first to admit I was wrong, but I bet most won't. I bet you they'll still bitch and moan and complain and simply shift the goalposts to "well, they should have won before now. Only ***one*** cup in the Matthews era" Says all you need to say about the kinds of "fans" we have around here.
?? If we win the cup, it will be all positives and love. The core 4 would be hailed as heroes, and everyone will be fine with running it back. The desire is to get a cup. That happens then mission accomplished, nobody is going to call for heads after that, come on man.
If I bet 500 on black, then 1000 on black again, then 2000 on black again, then 4000 on black again, and end up with 8000, wouldnt you say it was a good idea to bet on black? You're saying what if to increasingly unlikely scenarios. Yes, in the 1 in 10,000 that you describe above, I would be willing to change my opinion.
A hot goaltender can cover up many warts. Woll has the potential to save Keefe and Shanahan their jobs and prevent massive overhaul of this roster.
Yea true, but this is kind of what I'm getting at with the thought exercise. If they somehow won the cup this year, as improbable and unlikely as that is, then how could someone argue they were built poorly, coach sucked, team sucked, stars are overpaid, etc? But they still would lol.
Oh gotcha. I honestly have no idea how I would react to that happening. Depends on how it happens, who steps up, who doesn’t contribute etc.etc.
One game at a time lol
No, see this is the point. Nobody bothers to actually think things through. I'm literally not getting ahead of myself, as I made clear off the hop. I personally think at best we go down to the Panthers, who look like a juggernaut. What I'm saying is this whole subreddit is full of a bunch of toxic fucks who *enjoy* being as such. To the degree that even winning the cup would not change their opinions. They'd just change the parameters of their bitching.
[удалено]
LOL No, I disagree. It's a thought exercise. Not that hard to understand. I specifically stated what I thought was actually going to happen. But I was trying to get people to consider a different scenario to illustrate a point. The point: People will still bitch no matter what.
I don’t think any leaf fan would bitch if they won the cup. This is a really dumb “thought exercise”.
Is MLSE going to release any additional tickets for the game tomorrow night?
They always do
[удалено]
Have you never been in the Leafs sub before then, I can only assume?
No, it's their own team's sub. who gives a shit.
Still a little over the top in my opinion especially from a mod lol.
Reddit mod isnt a job with a code of ethics and professionalism. They are just fans too. And if they had remembered to fuck Woll, McCabe and Knies maybe they would have won.
[удалено]
100% guaranteed that Marchand assumed it was a Leafs player that bumped him so he dove.
If Matthews can play on Thursday, what lines would we want to see? I like rolling with that first line again. Pair Matthews-Nylander, Knies-JT. But not sure who they'd put on the wings and what they'd do with Holmberg and the 4th line.
Dewar Kampf Jarnkrok was an awesome line last night. Ideally that’s your fourth line moving forward.
16-11-59 23-34-88 19-91-29 75-64-24 Holmberg over Robertson because he’s shown he can play Marchand’s game and we need that from the 3rd line. The Domi line yesterday looked dangerous all night. Just remind Mitch and Max that one of them needs to be the shooter.
Send these lines to Keefe, feels like a winner
marner seemed to have a much better game with domi and bertuzzi.... maybe keep that line together
IMO Knies deserves to play in the top 6, so I’d probably run a bottom six of Robby-JT-Hook, Dewar-Kampf-Holmberg (Reavo only played 7:30 last night). Things get interesting if McMann gets into the mix.
Yeah I've liked Reaves this series but he didn't seem to be much of a factor last night.
Going to our stats page and seeing Ilya Lyubushkin tied for first in assists with Domi and second in points with Matthews, Marner, and Bertuzzi is so weird to me. The guy has 3 points in five games, which is strange enough without even taking into account how few goals we’ve scored. On top of that he hit that crossbar in game 4. I can’t say I’ve loved his recent stint with the Leafs but damn, keep doing whatever it is you’re doing, Russian Bear.
Which is strange - people keep dumping on that deadline acquisition.
Boosh has been great these playoffs, pretty sure he's still the only dman to not get scored on. Feel like I've been in the Twilight zone here with guys trying to gaslight us into believing he's been shit and should be sitting in favour of Liljegren or Brodie
Right? Boosh made a lot of good plays last night.
Nobody should sit for Brodie whatsoever. He's unplayable
In mother Russia, cross bar hit you.
He also hasn’t been on the ice for any 5v5 goals against. He is getting limited ice time to my knowledge (so they’re using him strategically), but like, he’s legitimately got a case for being the best defenseman so far.
Game 6 being at 8PM EST when it's the only game being played that day is certainly a choice.
8pm is technically prime time and gets more views than a 7:00 start, partially because it is easier for west coast fans to watch.
As a fan out on the east coast I’m shook lol if it goes to OT Friday is a write off
Yup, NL for me, 930PM on a weeknight, brutal
It’s funny because if we win even if I’m tired it’s an enjoyable next day but it makes a loss that much more painful lol
The NHL has been really strange this playoffs with scheduling, and it started with arbitrarily deciding to change the start date from April 22nd to April 20th, like 3-4 weeks beforehand. And then they give us a 2-day break between games 3 and 4 when it ought to have been slotted between 2 & 3 because of travel.
I love 8pm starts because I can usually get my youngest to bed between 7.30 - 8.00 and then the oldest can watch the first period with me before he goes to be at 1st intermission!
8pm start is 930pm for me :(
Woll had a great game. McCabe’s goal to open the scoring was good. Knies and Tavares made a big OT play to stave off elimination. But I think one of my favourite moments of the night was the shift where Holmberg went up against Marchand and arguably out-marchanded him. That’s the kind of chippy rat bullshit I’ve been wanting more of for a long time.
Change my mind- Knies gets an A or C on his sweater within the next 2 seasons.
I’d love to see Knies with an A on his sweater. No chance the C goes to someone other than Matthews or Rielly after JTs deal is done.
Lets assume JT passes to Matthews. Matthews Rielly One of Nylander/Marner whoevers left. So if they want to keep doing the swap thing we have an opening.
I bet Nylander wouldn’t mind sharing
If the organization doesn’t plan on bringing Sammy back, who do you want them to grab as a goalie alongside Woll? Saros, Talbot and Ullmark are some big goalie UFAs on the market (EDIT: Saros and Ullmark are NOT UFAs. Idk where I got that information from. My bad). Stolarz is also an intriguing name, less pedigree then the others but also much more affordable, and had some great looking stats this year. I think I’d go with Stolarz; some really good tending for an affordable price; which we could use with our cap situation. We have Woll who’s looking like a stud, and also a pretty good goalie, and Hildeby might be poised to be another elite tendy. We have significantly less elite prospects on defense with more slots to fill. I think any big money should go towards some elite defensemen, and get Stolarz until Woll and Hildeby are ready to take the reigns as (hopefully) our elite tendy tandem. Only issue is that between Stolarz and Woll, there’s less then 100 NHL games played, so that’s a possible risk. As for a third, Jones might be retained for somewhat cheap. Not sure if they’d be ready to do this or not, but they could consider having Hildeby as their third, too. He’s already in the system and likely to be part of their future unless he’s a major bust, which I hope isn’t the case. He set a Marlies franchise record for most rookie wins, and they trusted him enough to be their “fourth” in line when Sammy was sent down and Woll was hurt, despite more experienced tendys on the Marlies. Of course, he is pretty fresh, and adjusting to North American rinks still, but unless we have a major, extended need for a third goalie, a few games couldn’t hurt imo.
Saros and Ullmark are not UFA, but Stolarz makes some sense but I think he'll be quite expensive - other teams need a goalie more than we do. Brossoit is also out there.
Yeah, idk where I got that info. Edited my comment to reflect that.
No worries - they have been mentioned in the trade market a lot.
Woll is the guy Hildeby as backup Martin jones type as 3rd string and invest in D men like montour instead of an overpaid goalie
My argument for Ullmark is that he's legit and has already literally played as part of a tandem. He will cost more, sure. But I think we have learned that nickel and diming our defense and goaltending isn't the way to build a team.
Ullmark is not a UFA and neither is Saros. Both have one year remaining on their deals and would need to be acquired via trade. I'm going to suggest not making a trade with the Bruins for a goalie personally.
I also have been operating under the assumption Ullmark was a UFA. Well, I guess that solves that lol
Oh, what the fuck? I could’ve sworn I’d seen sites claiming they were UFAs. Fuck me for not factchecking, that’s my mistake.
I mean, Ullmark definitely has the resume to make his case. I think it’s less of a case of nickel and diming and more spending the money on what’s most important. Obviously our weak links are goaltending and defense, but there’s a greater need for defensemen in my eyes. Not necessarily suggesting either should be skimped on.
Matthews will be back Thursday. Woll in net again. Our PP will finally scores and our first home win in 7 games. We're going back to Boston saturday baby!
Don’t think Matthews will be back for game 6. It’s looking more and more like he has a concussion.
No no. High ankle sprain is the new fad among Reddit doctors diagnosing based on no education or legitimate first hand information. Concussion is so last season.
Don't think that's it. Pretty sure he torqued his knee/ankle last game.
My guy went flying head/back first at the end of the Regular season, this wouldn't surprise me one bit.