Capitals @ Leafs - Apr. 4th, 7:30pm - TSN4, TSN 1050

[herman]

Brown with the baseball one timer would've been an awesome way to get 20.

 

[herman]

Has Polak been getting lessons from Nylander (and vice versa)?

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

Uncle Leo is my hero.

 

[azzurri63]

This is the first time in while they've been bullied physically like this.

Would be nice to see some pushback, this is playoff hockey, they need to be able to play this type of game when challenged.

They'll have a better second but games like this is where we will struggle and why we have a ways to go to be an upper echelon team. Been saying it for a long time team is lacking some toughness. Although the game has changed I think it's something that is needed. Great to have skilled guys but if you don't have that grit come playoff time you're not sticking around.

I think you're taking my comment and using it as a springboard to beat your usual drum.

I think they can play gritty when needed.

Soshnikov, Martin, Komarov, Kadri, Boyle, Polak, Carrick, Zaitsev and several other large men like JVR and Matthews.

I wouldn't be opposed to adding a few more guys that can be nasty and be skilled, but I'd also like a few winning lotto tickets if you have them.

Speed and skill kills in this league and sacrificing either for "toughness" is never a good idea over the long haul, if you think otherwise your thinking of the NHL that used to exist, not the one we see presently.

No offense intended here, just being honest.

The first period tonight is likely the result of playing a rested amazing team on the second half of a back to back with travel.

I don't want to argue with you. If you think this team is tough and JVR and Matthews are then I guess we are watching two different teams.

 

[Bender]

Man Washington looks so good defensively.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

That's a really good set play that the Leafs have there: Matthews from the half wall to Komarov in front of the net and back to Brown in the slot.

 

[herman]

Ref hates power plays.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

I wonder if Matthews is dinged up, odd that you'd see Nylander take the draw when out there with Matthews.

If it was a handedness issue you'd think you'd see it more often given they play on an ES line together.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

I don't want to argue with you. If you think this team is tough and JVR and Matthews are then I guess we are watching two different teams.

That's not what I said, but you're right, let's not argue.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

Boyle will not return.

 

[Bender]

Mac looked really slow going post to post.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Man that PP is lethal. Now imagine Shattenkirk with Matthews and Nylander.

 

[herman]

Mac looked really slow going post to post.

That, but also Washington moved the puck beautifully.

 

[azzurri63]

Stupid penalty by Marner. Martin in the first and his were just dumb. No need to take either.

 

[herman]

Great job by Brown there. Negated the icing and then his hard work draws a hold.

 

[Kin]

For a while now I've thought their best possible first round match-up would be Washington and while I still think that it might be a series that isn't all that easy to watch.

 

[Rebel_1812]

If the Capitals pressing you offensively is evidence that you lack toughness then the entire league lacks toughness.

But they do.  Its a long term trend towards a weak and timorous league.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Boyle will not return.

*sees who's up next on the centre depth chart*

No. NOOooooo. NOOOOOOOOOO

 

[Kin]

But they do.  Its a long term trend towards a weak and timorous league.

Back in my day, both teams just punched the puck into the net and that's the way we liked it.

 

[Bender]

If there's anything this team needs it's more Roman Polaks.