• For users coming over from tmlfans.ca your username will remain the same but you will need to use the password reset feature (check your spam folder) on the login page in order to set your password. If you encounter issues, email Rick couchmanrick@gmail.com

Can the Leafs Beat Boston?

Busta Reims said:
I think the Bruins are due for a little bit of a dip in their performance, and there's a good chance they'll come into these games a little cocky and over-confident - especially in light of the way they manhandled the Leafs so far this season. While I wouldn't go as far as to say they'll be vulnerable, I do think they'll be beatable. I think a split is likely and a sweep isn't unrealistic. I think the Leafs take 3 of 4 points.
Click to expand...

I hope you are right, but I don't think the betting odds are in our favour for 3 out of 4 points.

The unbelievable stat:  In the 10-game stretch prior to the Bruin SO loss at Detroit, they outscored their opponents by a total of 30 goals.  That's an average of 3 goals per game.

To give a sense of how huge that is, last year, the top team Vancouver, outscored its opponents by less than 1 goal per game on average (77 goals).  Here's a list of the top teams and their goal differentials over the entire season -- the best teams since the lockout are only barely better than a goal per game:

10-11: Vancouver: +77 over 82 games
09-10: Washington: +85 over 82
08-09: Boston +78 over 82
07-08: Detroit: +73
06-07: Ottawa: +67
05-06: Ottawa: +103, Detroit: +96

I wonder how many 10-game streaks are there that are better than this recent 10-game Bruins streak since the lockout?  I bet there aren't many, if any.  I don't know where to find the data to do a search though ...
 
Bruins have had VERY good GF/GA differential for a few years now I believe.  Strong defensive system for the GA, sprinkle a few blowouts in there, and presto.

During that 10 game streak, they went like 5 or 6 games where they didn't score less than 5 goals in a game.
 
I almost want to suggest taking liberties with Thomas (assuming he's playing.) I mean the league has pretty much declared open season on goalies this year so why not? Let Boston retaliate and take the penalties.
 
Bah.  Way way WAY too much unmerited respect for these clowns in this thread.  Setting aside their triumph in the SC and recent unbeatability, they suck.  Institutionally.

Kessel with a 4-pt nite on Weds and another 5 on Sat, and for good measure snaps his fingers at Seguin while skating by the Boston bench.
 
Zanzibar Buck-Buck McFate said:
Bah.  Way way WAY too much unmerited respect for these clowns in this thread.  Setting aside their triumph in the SC and recent unbeatability, they suck.  Institutionally.

Kessel with a 4-pt nite on Weds and another 5 on Sat, and for good measure snaps his fingers at Seguin while skating by the Boston bench.
Click to expand...


LOL WTG Buck-Buck
 
It's funny how Leafs fans have set expectations so low in the upcoming games against Boston.  Everyone that I've talked to has the attitude of "I hope it's not a blowout, that's all I want". 
 
Boston Leaf said:
Boston can be beat....and we are just the tema that can do it.
[/quote


I agree, we can beat them. this next three games is going to show if we are ready to skate with the big boys, and stay in the top 5.
Click to expand...
 
IF the Leafs can play Boston hard the next 2 games and win at least 1, I think it goes a long way into giving this group the confidence they need to be a playoff team.  I think the fans would start to believe it seriously as well. 
 
Significantly Insignificant said:
I'm not going to lie.  The only way I can see the Leafs beating Boston is if they score more goals than they do.
Click to expand...

No way man, I can see a way to beat them without scoring any official goals.
 
Zanzibar Buck-Buck McFate said:
Bah.  Way way WAY too much unmerited respect for these clowns in this thread.  Setting aside their triumph in the SC and recent unbeatability, they suck.  Institutionally.

Kessel with a 4-pt nite on Weds and another 5 on Sat, and for good measure snaps his fingers at Seguin while skating by the Boston bench.
Click to expand...

Does he call him "chachi" to boot?
 
Zee said:
Significantly Insignificant said:
I'm not going to lie.  The only way I can see the Leafs beating Boston is if they score more goals than they do.
Click to expand...

No way man, I can see a way to beat them without scoring any official goals.
Click to expand...

The Leafs could do it in a shoot out, but I think the Leafs will win just using their work ethic and system over the past 5 games.  It will be a tough game though. 
 
Optimus Reimer said:
Zee said:
Significantly Insignificant said:
I'm not going to lie.  The only way I can see the Leafs beating Boston is if they score more goals than they do.
Click to expand...

No way man, I can see a way to beat them without scoring any official goals.
Click to expand...

The Leafs could do it in a shoot out, but I think the Leafs will win just using their work ethic and system over the past 5 games.  It will be a tough game though.
Click to expand...

I just hope they're not mentally beaten before they even take the ice.  There are certain times against certain teams where they just "have your number".  I recall for years and years how the Leafs could never seem to beat Buffalo in Buffalo regardless of what team they iced.  Boston has laid a beating on the Leafs in 2 games this season so far, let's hope the Leafs are determined to prove they can play with these guys.
 
Maybe this is a bogus sensation but it does seem this season that there have been a bunch of teams who go on a hot run only to fall back to earth.

The top win% in the NHL this year is .675. That's the lowest since the lockout if it were to stay that way. Even though there are lower top win%s before the lockout, it's still a low number because shootout losses raised pts win% across the league.

The Bruins might be due to hit a wall. Wednesday would be as good as time as any in my book.  :) It could be a real confidence booster for the Leafs. Regardless, I expect much more competitive games than the first two.
 
cw said:
Maybe this is a bogus sensation but it does seem this season that there have been a bunch of teams who go on a hot run only to fall back to earth.

The top win% in the NHL this year is .675. That's the lowest since the lockout if it were to stay that way. Even though there are lower top win%s before the lockout, it's still a low number because shootout losses raised pts win% across the league.

The Bruins might be due to hit a wall. Wednesday would be as good as time as any in my book.  :) It could be a real confidence booster for the Leafs. Regardless, I expect much more competitive games than the first two.
Click to expand...

Hold me cw.  :-\
 
louisstamos said:
Remember when we used to do this to Tim Thomas?

http://youtu.be/IiWm_rD-p00
Click to expand...

:D  I actually do remember that.  I used to love that Thomas.  I remember thinking how bad he was and how he'd never amount to anything.  How does that guy become the world beater we've seen the last few seasons?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top