Most of us Leaf fans wanted them to play the Habs, now it is set and they will play Boston. The question is, can they beat them? It is the worst match-up for the Leafs.
I think there is a slim chance. It will come down to a total shut-down effort, a strong series by Reimer, Kessel fighting through Chara and the second line providing debt in the scoring.
I wouldn't bet on it, but Go Leafs Go! Any other believers?
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To remove first post, remove entire topic.
Most of us Leaf fans wanted them to play the Habs, now it is set and they will play Boston. The question is, can they beat them? It is the worst match-up for the Leafs.
I think there is a slim chance. It will come down to a total shut-down effort, a strong series by Reimer, Kessel fighting through Chara and the second line providing debt in the scoring.
I wouldn't bet on it, but Go Leafs Go! Any other believers?
I definitely think they can, the Leafs played really close games against them this season and the results certaibnly could have been different. This series will be a close one
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I definitely think they can, the Leafs played really close games against them this season and the results certaibnly could have been different. This series will be a close one
Both these teams playing like molasses now. With an emphasis on "as.ses." The major gulf I see is in net. Rask much better than Reimer. Someone here said you can blow balloons past Reimer, like last night, and the sorry Bruins will score if that is the case.
Only shutdown net minding will upset the Bruins. Leafs don't have that.
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Both these teams playing like molasses now. With an emphasis on "as.ses." The major gulf I see is in net. Rask much better than Reimer. Someone here said you can blow balloons past Reimer, like last night, and the sorry Bruins will score if that is the case.
Only shutdown net minding will upset the Bruins. Leafs don't have that.
have you watched them play the last 2 weeks?? um NO CHANCE.
reimer cant win every game so they are likely to go in 4 straight.
leafs have been sleeping. they should have gone up in standings and past montreal. but they lost and lost bad games. only won because of reimer stopping 50 shots in ott and they beat ...florida big whoop.
they also got lucky in nj..reimer won that one.
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have you watched them play the last 2 weeks?? um NO CHANCE.
reimer cant win every game so they are likely to go in 4 straight.
leafs have been sleeping. they should have gone up in standings and past montreal. but they lost and lost bad games. only won because of reimer stopping 50 shots in ott and they beat ...florida big whoop.
Yes and I think they will. Boston is slumping and the Leafs have something they have not in years past; goaltending. The REIMINISTER of Defence has had a great year with some of his best games coming in April. Hopefully his solid play carries into the playoffs. Aside from Reimer, the Leafs are a physical team with lots of firepower. Boston will not be able to push them around and anything less than stellar from Rask will not be enough. I truly believe that the Leafs take this series in 7 games. By the way, I am NOT a homer. As a matter of fact, I am a Habs fan and despise the Leafs. However, I do have a small place in my heart for a city that LOVES hockey and has finally made the playoffs. GO LEAFS GO!
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Yes and I think they will. Boston is slumping and the Leafs have something they have not in years past; goaltending. The REIMINISTER of Defence has had a great year with some of his best games coming in April. Hopefully his solid play carries into the playoffs. Aside from Reimer, the Leafs are a physical team with lots of firepower. Boston will not be able to push them around and anything less than stellar from Rask will not be enough. I truly believe that the Leafs take this series in 7 games. By the way, I am NOT a homer. As a matter of fact, I am a Habs fan and despise the Leafs. However, I do have a small place in my heart for a city that LOVES hockey and has finally made the playoffs. GO LEAFS GO!
I think the leafs have a chance because we know they can play tight,shutdown hockey when they are focused. They have had some stretches of dominance that defies those stretches of really poor play. Neither team has shown strong play of late.
Furthermore, there is no shoot-out in the playoffs, which increases their chances to win as they have zero success with that gimmick this year.
A number of players were in the finals last year with the Marlies. this can only help a team that is the youngest in the league.
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I think the leafs have a chance because we know they can play tight,shutdown hockey when they are focused. They have had some stretches of dominance that defies those stretches of really poor play. Neither team has shown strong play of late.
Furthermore, there is no shoot-out in the playoffs, which increases their chances to win as they have zero success with that gimmick this year.
A number of players were in the finals last year with the Marlies. this can only help a team that is the youngest in the league.
Yes and I think they will. Boston is slumping and the Leafs have something they have not in years past; goaltending. The REIMINISTER of Defence has had a great year with some of his best games coming in April. Hopefully his solid play carries into the playoffs. Aside from Reimer, the Leafs are a physical team with lots of firepower. Boston will not be able to push them around and anything less than stellar from Rask will not be enough. I truly believe that the Leafs take this series in 7 games. By the way, I am NOT a homer. As a matter of fact, I am a Habs fan and despise the Leafs. However, I do have a small place in my heart for a city that LOVES hockey and has finally made the playoffs. GO LEAFS GO!
If Reimer is your best reason why the Leafs can win, you're in trouble.
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Quote Originally Posted by Nesci:
Yes and I think they will. Boston is slumping and the Leafs have something they have not in years past; goaltending. The REIMINISTER of Defence has had a great year with some of his best games coming in April. Hopefully his solid play carries into the playoffs. Aside from Reimer, the Leafs are a physical team with lots of firepower. Boston will not be able to push them around and anything less than stellar from Rask will not be enough. I truly believe that the Leafs take this series in 7 games. By the way, I am NOT a homer. As a matter of fact, I am a Habs fan and despise the Leafs. However, I do have a small place in my heart for a city that LOVES hockey and has finally made the playoffs. GO LEAFS GO!
If Reimer is your best reason why the Leafs can win, you're in trouble.
In my opinion playing Boston is the best thing that could of happened for the Leafs and the reason is simple most hockey experts don't give them a shot the same hockey experts that said the Leafs had no shot at making the playoffs. Had we faced Montreal many would have said the Leafs would be favoured in the series which i for one don't buy, yes they won the season series but that means nothing. Toronto will need good goaltending as all teams do in the playoffs and people got to stop worrying about the Leafs getting outshot take a look at the games they won they were outshot in 85% of them and the games they lost like the other day in Tampa they outshot the other team and lost, its an over rated stat that means SHT its not the amount of shots its the quality of shots. Leafs win in 6 and prove the so called experts wrong again
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In my opinion playing Boston is the best thing that could of happened for the Leafs and the reason is simple most hockey experts don't give them a shot the same hockey experts that said the Leafs had no shot at making the playoffs. Had we faced Montreal many would have said the Leafs would be favoured in the series which i for one don't buy, yes they won the season series but that means nothing. Toronto will need good goaltending as all teams do in the playoffs and people got to stop worrying about the Leafs getting outshot take a look at the games they won they were outshot in 85% of them and the games they lost like the other day in Tampa they outshot the other team and lost, its an over rated stat that means SHT its not the amount of shots its the quality of shots. Leafs win in 6 and prove the so called experts wrong again
In my opinion playing Boston is the best thing that could of happened for the Leafs and the reason is simple most hockey experts don't give them a shot the same hockey experts that said the Leafs had no shot at making the playoffs. Had we faced Montreal many would have said the Leafs would be favoured in the series which i for one don't buy, yes they won the season series but that means nothing. Toronto will need good goaltending as all teams do in the playoffs and people got to stop worrying about the Leafs getting outshot take a look at the games they won they were outshot in 85% of them and the games they lost like the other day in Tampa they outshot the other team and lost, its an over rated stat that means SHT its not the amount of shots its the quality of shots. Leafs win in 6 and prove the so called experts wrong again
One thing I will say about this match-up Clark17 (nice name btw *wink*), is that if the Leafs do beat Boston, they will have done so in a fashion that will set them up for success beyond that round. Meaning they would slayed Goliath using grit and grinding it out...other teams they face could surely not match the type of game that Boston brings while the Leafs game will have been elevated for a perfect run at the Eastern Finals.
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Quote Originally Posted by clark17:
In my opinion playing Boston is the best thing that could of happened for the Leafs and the reason is simple most hockey experts don't give them a shot the same hockey experts that said the Leafs had no shot at making the playoffs. Had we faced Montreal many would have said the Leafs would be favoured in the series which i for one don't buy, yes they won the season series but that means nothing. Toronto will need good goaltending as all teams do in the playoffs and people got to stop worrying about the Leafs getting outshot take a look at the games they won they were outshot in 85% of them and the games they lost like the other day in Tampa they outshot the other team and lost, its an over rated stat that means SHT its not the amount of shots its the quality of shots. Leafs win in 6 and prove the so called experts wrong again
One thing I will say about this match-up Clark17 (nice name btw *wink*), is that if the Leafs do beat Boston, they will have done so in a fashion that will set them up for success beyond that round. Meaning they would slayed Goliath using grit and grinding it out...other teams they face could surely not match the type of game that Boston brings while the Leafs game will have been elevated for a perfect run at the Eastern Finals.
The Leafs have way more speed than the Bruins when they are playing their game and to me the Bruins look tired and have so for a couple of weeks. The key to this series in my mind will be Phil Kessel. In most Toronto/Boston matchups as we know he has been a non factor so he must get off to a good if not decent start on Wednesday to gain confidence. Carlyle will do his best to keep him away from Chara but that is easier said than done. We can definately stand up to the Bruins as far as toughness goes so that isn't a worry. The healthiness of Horton is huge as well and you have to wonder how healthy Marchant and Bergeron are after having concussions.
I can't wait till Monday to see my first live playoff game since 2004.
You learn more from losing than winning. You learn how to keep going.
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The Leafs have way more speed than the Bruins when they are playing their game and to me the Bruins look tired and have so for a couple of weeks. The key to this series in my mind will be Phil Kessel. In most Toronto/Boston matchups as we know he has been a non factor so he must get off to a good if not decent start on Wednesday to gain confidence. Carlyle will do his best to keep him away from Chara but that is easier said than done. We can definately stand up to the Bruins as far as toughness goes so that isn't a worry. The healthiness of Horton is huge as well and you have to wonder how healthy Marchant and Bergeron are after having concussions.
I can't wait till Monday to see my first live playoff game since 2004.
They wont get pushed around like they used too in previous years maybe they have a shot Rask has lots of playoff benchwarming experience Reimer not so much shouldn't be too hard for the B's.
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They wont get pushed around like they used too in previous years maybe they have a shot Rask has lots of playoff benchwarming experience Reimer not so much shouldn't be too hard for the B's.
Leafs are young and strong. Bruins are older and battle proven. This will be the meanest first round series, be sure of it. It is also probably the worst match for either team as it could be costly in terms of injuries and bumps and bruises for whoever moves on.
Here is my take on how the Leafs can beat Bruins, and why I might lay some money on them upsetting them after some further thought. It all depends on if they will execute or not.
1. Wear down Chara. Win the matchups that we know both coaches love. Kessel has to be in top form and he finished the season just that. but it will take a team effort to wear down Chara. He is the most important figure in this series. If the Leafs can pound him by committee, every line, every shift, the 25+ min he has played all year will takes it toll on him. I don't care who you are, how big and how strong, if you have to handle wave after wave of physical forwards you will pay a price, especially when he hasn't had any rest down the stretch. This decision not to rest Chara could come back to haunt Julien.
2. Play tight hockey. K.I.S.S and limit the ability for their big bodies like Lucic to control the area in front of Reimer. They don't score fancy goals, they grind you down with 4 lines...Leafs D need to equal the task. Along with this theory be willing to dump pucks into corners and when Chara in particular heads there, lay the body.
3. Reimer has to be better than average. He had a great year and some really phenomenal stretches. He will face a hungry Boston team, especially when you consider Leafs will probably win games by slight margins, the Bruins will always have that last rush of steam to end the game. Reimer has to equal the task.
4. Kadri and have to provide some depth. I really believe he will as he has his contract situation coming up at the end of the year. If he can add some offense, but just as important play with that mean streak as we have seen, it will go far. If Leafs make it to the second round, he will most certainly become a very wealthy man (he will be set for life even if they don't).
Let us not forget Lupul. In my eyes he appears the most hungry and driven player on this roster. He may not be Gary Roberts, but he is playing with the same physical abandon and heart that he did and he has better hands :)
There is no doubt that Boston should win this series, some would say quite easily, but they finished more poorly than even the Leafs. With Carlye behind the bench and a hungry young team eager to please, it makes it that much closer.
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Leafs are young and strong. Bruins are older and battle proven. This will be the meanest first round series, be sure of it. It is also probably the worst match for either team as it could be costly in terms of injuries and bumps and bruises for whoever moves on.
Here is my take on how the Leafs can beat Bruins, and why I might lay some money on them upsetting them after some further thought. It all depends on if they will execute or not.
1. Wear down Chara. Win the matchups that we know both coaches love. Kessel has to be in top form and he finished the season just that. but it will take a team effort to wear down Chara. He is the most important figure in this series. If the Leafs can pound him by committee, every line, every shift, the 25+ min he has played all year will takes it toll on him. I don't care who you are, how big and how strong, if you have to handle wave after wave of physical forwards you will pay a price, especially when he hasn't had any rest down the stretch. This decision not to rest Chara could come back to haunt Julien.
2. Play tight hockey. K.I.S.S and limit the ability for their big bodies like Lucic to control the area in front of Reimer. They don't score fancy goals, they grind you down with 4 lines...Leafs D need to equal the task. Along with this theory be willing to dump pucks into corners and when Chara in particular heads there, lay the body.
3. Reimer has to be better than average. He had a great year and some really phenomenal stretches. He will face a hungry Boston team, especially when you consider Leafs will probably win games by slight margins, the Bruins will always have that last rush of steam to end the game. Reimer has to equal the task.
4. Kadri and have to provide some depth. I really believe he will as he has his contract situation coming up at the end of the year. If he can add some offense, but just as important play with that mean streak as we have seen, it will go far. If Leafs make it to the second round, he will most certainly become a very wealthy man (he will be set for life even if they don't).
Let us not forget Lupul. In my eyes he appears the most hungry and driven player on this roster. He may not be Gary Roberts, but he is playing with the same physical abandon and heart that he did and he has better hands :)
There is no doubt that Boston should win this series, some would say quite easily, but they finished more poorly than even the Leafs. With Carlye behind the bench and a hungry young team eager to please, it makes it that much closer.
Boston is no where near the same team that started the season so hot. I think the leafs have a great shot to win this series. They play the same tough style as the bruins and will definitely feed off their home crowd. Leafs in 6.
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Boston is no where near the same team that started the season so hot. I think the leafs have a great shot to win this series. They play the same tough style as the bruins and will definitely feed off their home crowd. Leafs in 6.
Boston has not been playing well. Leafs well they need to play thier top game. But it is the playoffs and it all about momentum and goaltending now...Go Leafs..
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Yes
Boston has not been playing well. Leafs well they need to play thier top game. But it is the playoffs and it all about momentum and goaltending now...Go Leafs..
I can't figure out if this is a good or bad matchup for the leafs.. They are both grinding teams, tough teams.. So would the leafs be better off grinding down a more skilled team or do they have a better chance grinding out vs a grinding out team.. I know the Bruins own the leafs during season play.. But I can't help but feel this is a good matchup for them right now.. Not that I like the leafs at all!
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I can't figure out if this is a good or bad matchup for the leafs.. They are both grinding teams, tough teams.. So would the leafs be better off grinding down a more skilled team or do they have a better chance grinding out vs a grinding out team.. I know the Bruins own the leafs during season play.. But I can't help but feel this is a good matchup for them right now.. Not that I like the leafs at all!
Bruins are over-rated...Leafs are inexperienced...Leafs are tougher...if the B's play llike they have the last 12 games(worst record of any playoff team in that span)...it should go 7...outta the four games they've played this year...B's won 3...two of those games the Leafs had 2 goal leads only to lose...the other they lost 1-0...Leafs can and will beat the Bruins...in 7
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Bruins are over-rated...Leafs are inexperienced...Leafs are tougher...if the B's play llike they have the last 12 games(worst record of any playoff team in that span)...it should go 7...outta the four games they've played this year...B's won 3...two of those games the Leafs had 2 goal leads only to lose...the other they lost 1-0...Leafs can and will beat the Bruins...in 7
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