FINALLY (POST GAME OPINIONS)


For the first time in almost three weeks, the Leafs finally win a game! No joke! And at the same time, end an eight game skid and put themselves within one point of the playoffs. The score: 3-2 for the Leafs, and it was against the Flames. It has been a while, but to finally write about a Leaf win is as rewarding as passing your driving test!

While we celebrate this "historic" moment, lets take a look at the bigger picture. So the Leafs now have 82 points, which keeps them in 9th in the East. Fortunately, they are only 2 points behind Detroit and 1 point behind Columbus. However, both teams have games in hand. Yes, I am more than happy that the Leafs ended the drought, but there is more work left to do in order to make the playoffs.

Here are the three reasons why the Leafs ended the 8 game drought:

1) Secondary scoring

Where or where have you been, secondary scoring? We missed you so much! The timing of this could not be any better, and it was three secondary offensive players who provided the scoring. These include McClement, Bolland, and CLARKSON! (WHAT?!) If the Leafs are going to make the playoffs, and make a run for the Cup, (once they get there [if they can]) then secondary scoring needs to come alive more, and help the Leafs, so that the Top Line is not needed all the time. That means you Lupul!

2) SOG against were low

Seriously, when was the last time the Leafs out shot an opponent, kept the shots against low, and won? I do not remember, but that is exactly what happened tonight. In fact, the Leafs were able to prevent Calgary from getting 30+ shots on Bernier, and still only took 23 shots on the Flames' net. It is a good sign for sure, but the shots against needs to be down consistently down the stretch.

3) A total team effort (and a bit of desperation)

FINALLY! The Leafs actually took my advice (well, not really) and played a bit more desperately than before. On top of that, the team seemed to play together as a unit, and it payed off. Ever since the loss to New Jersery, I knew that the Leafs were going to exit the slump once they played more desperately, and although it took way too long for that to happen, I am glad that they won before it was too late. More team work and desperation are needed for the Leafs to go 6-0-0 to end the season.

I did not predict what was going to happen in this game, but every side gets a point. Because, why not? Right-3 Wrong-5.

The next game will be this Thursday against the Boston Bruins, (oh no!) and  pay attention, because this is a potential first round preview. See you then.

P.S. Since the Leafs ended the slump, I might as well include this:




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Five takeaways from the Leafs 2017-18 season

Image
Toronto Maple Leafs players leave the ice after losing Game 7 to the Bruins in Boston on Wednesday.   (Charles Krupa/Associated Press) Wednesday's Game 7 loss to the Boston Bruins put a premature end to what was a historic season for the Toronto Maple Leafs.  The team took big leaps, with the young core of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander making strides in their game. Frederik Andersen established new franchise bests in the goaltending category. The defensive core of Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner had big seasons offensively. Plus rookie call-ups Travis Dermott, Kasperi Kapanen, and Andreas Johnsson established themselves as lineup staples for the future.  While the Leafs were able to reach franchise highs during the regular season, it's clear the team is not yet ready to reach that next step as they learned some valuable lessons during this year's playoff run. Let's look at five takeaways from this season and where the team need
Read more

How should the Leafs sort out their power-play and penalty kill units?

Image
Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images With the dog days of both the offseason and summer in full swing, it's easy to just sit around and wait for the new season to start. Alternatively, there's the option of contemplating how the Leafs should sort out their lines come October. I decided to go with the latter option, but more specifically ,   to   focus on the  Buds’  special team units. As of August 10, we have a clear idea as to how the lines will shake   up. Mike Babcock said on the day John Tavares signed with the Leafs that he would be on a line with Mitch Marner and Zach Hyman, while Auston Matthews will play with William Nylander and Patrick Marleau. Here's how the rest of the starting lines will probably look like according to TSN. Not included: Tyler Ennis and Josh Jooris What isn't really known at this point, however, is what Babcock and the Leafs have planned for both the power play and penalty killing squads for 2018-19. Today, I decid
Read more

4 pending free agents the Leafs can realistically pursue

Image
Photo credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports With the Stanley Cup Finals well underway, the 2017-18 season is quickly reaching its conclusion. This means the offseason is fast approaching and many important decisions will need to be made by teams heading into both the draft and free agency. The Toronto Maple Leafs have a few areas that need to be addressed in the coming months in order for the team to make the next step towards Cup contention. The 2018 playoffs proved that defence was still a top priority and the depth at centre heading into 2019 is unclear. Obviously, the team could draft the best prospect at the Leafs spot and develop them. That could take a while though as the window is just now opening. There could also be a trade, but what assets do the Leafs feel comfortable giving up to get immediate help? The logical conclusion then would be to sign some key free agents starting  July 1st . There are many marquee players that could be available, like John Tava
Read more