Panthers @ Maple Leafs - Mar. 13th, 7:00pm - TSN, Fan 590

[ZBBM]

Beating my drum: Matthews is hurt, everything else is noise. We're toast.

 

[cw]

Beating my drum: Matthews is hurt, everything else is noise. We're toast.

As optimistic as I try to be, I have had somewhat similar thoughts.
We're seeing it with our own eyes. Some tidbits of flimsy stats might be related: hits/60 roughly half, takeaways/60 roughly half, speed bursts dramatically down, etc
So their chances of winning in the playoffs have to be down as there seems to be little sign that it will change any time soon.

 

[Redleaf]

Maybe it’s too late in the season to try this but I’d like them to sit Matthews for a few games . They can say it’s to rest him for the playoffs, but in reality I’d really like to see if this team is capable of rising to the challenge. They have in the past when he’s been out. Let’s face it, it’s not really working too well him in the lineup lately.

 

[dekedastardly]

This is what it comes down to: the pretty boys (34,16,88) don't want to pay the price. It's sad because finally we have decent goaltending and d-men. Blow it up. "Papi" can go first.

 

[Ozzie]

I'm not drawing too many firm conclusions from this game.
It wasn't their best. I've seen worse.
They're trying new personnel.
Matthews still seems off.
Marner and his team have been through the deadline.
I need at least a few more games.

It's not just this game. The teams that know how to win in the Playoffs click into gear in March and ride that momentum into the Playoffs.

Vegas, Colorado, Florida are all in "Playoff Mode". Leafs have lost to all of them this past 9 days. And they are in a race for first place to play the WildCard.

This is not just one game.... it's a reflection of 8 years: when the games matter, they can't compete.

Two positives: I believe in Berube's system and believe in Stolarz. I don't believe in the Core5 (except maybe Slick Willy).

 

[Chris]

The Leafs have scored 3 goals when they pull their goalie. They have given up 17. There have been 6 times where the Leafs or their opponent didn't score.

Compare that to the Leafs scoring 20 goals with their opponent net empty while giving up TWELVE.

They dump the puck in the corner and then don't get to it first and the puck comes right back out. STOP IT.

Meanwhile Matthews has 5 primary points at 5 on 5 in his last 16 games.

We sit Robertson for multiple games in a row and cant' score enough goals.

Part of the problem might be that they put Matthews et al out there with like three and a half minutes left, then pull the goalie at 2 minutes and leave the same players on the ice...so those already over-worked players (who have already played 20 minutes or more) wind up being on the ice for over 3 minutes at the end. They have nothing left. Very strange time management.

The other big part is, that particular group of players isn't really committed to doing the dirty work of getting into the corners to retrieve pucks. I would think last year under Keefe they probably played those 6 on 5's differently, getting into the zone with possession rather than dumping and chasing. Better suited to this group.

Plus of course whatever is wrong with Matthews and this is what you get.

As for Robertson, I'll just say the games were definitely more entertaining when he was in the lineup.

 

[dekedastardly]

It is definitely an odd time to sit Robbie. I thought his play was much improved in his recent games. If Marner walks, I'm on board with going after Bennett. He alone isn't enough though. This team needs a leader, and so far, Auston ain't it.

 

[Guilt Trip]

It is definitely an odd time to sit Robbie. I thought his play was much improved in his recent games. If Marner walks, I'm on board with going after Bennett. He alone isn't enough though. This team needs a leader, and so far, Auston ain't it.

Bennett is not enough to try and replace Marner. Not close. Let's see how it goes down the stretch and into the playoffs. I think we see 4 Nations Gold Medal game Matthews in the playoffs. I also think he's "saving" himself for when they games mean more and that the Leafs do care about winning the division but not as much as fans and media. We'll see.

 

[cw]

It's not just this game. The teams that know how to win in the Playoffs click into gear in March and ride that momentum into the Playoffs.

Vegas, Colorado, Florida are all in "Playoff Mode". Leafs have lost to all of them this past 9 days. And they are in a race for first place to play the WildCard.

This is not just one game.... it's a reflection of 8 years: when the games matter, they can't compete.

Two positives: I believe in Berube's system and believe in Stolarz. I don't believe in the Core5 (except maybe Slick Willy).

Tanev missed all but one of those games
Jarnkrok is shaking off the rust and where he fits with 'preseason' games
They've added Laughton & Carlo who are trying to get their head around Berube's system
The whole lineup is adjusting to the additions
They've endured some turmoil during the trade deadline
Matthews is off
Stolarz and Woll have been off

With all that going on, I have trouble being too conclusive.
I'd like to give them a chance to shake things out - at least 5 games, maybe 10 - and then see where we are.

 

[Chris]

All true but the Panthers made deadline deals and are working new players into the lineup, plus are down a top forward and defender (plus no Marchand).