R1G5: Leafs @ Bruins - May 10th, 7:00pm - CBC, TSN 1050

[Heroic Shrimp]

Any predictions on Kessel's performance tonight?  Win or lose, if he steps up tonight, I think that's a big statement to his critics.

 

[Zee]

With nearly everyone predicting a Leaf win tonight, I have to think they will lose. (At least that's how I play the stock market, and usually come ahead.)

You are bad.

So is Peter D. just below me.

Hey. I don't come here with rainbow makers and bubble machines. 

A comeback just isn't in the cards, at least not if we're being reasonable about things.

Oh sure. Now if they pull off a win tonight you're gonna show me up.......

It's ok to get shown up when you'll enjoy being wrong.

 

[Peter D.]

Any predictions on Kessel's performance tonight?  Win or lose, if he steps up tonight, I think that's a big statement to his critics.

Whatever happens tonight, or the rest of the series however many games that may be, I think he's already made that big statement to his critics.  It's good to not only see him score points, but also play engaging and inspired hockey against Boston. 

As for a prediction, I see him setting up a goal, but will be neutralized for the most part. 

 

[Leafaholic99]

jonasTSN1050: Brad Marchand this morning: "After that first game they've pretty much taken over the series." Felt Bruins got "lucky" in game 4.

Take it for what it's worth, but, some of us posters around here who haven't felt that the Bruins have been as dominate as others seem to have support from some of the Bruins themselves. Unfortunately, that "taking over" hasn't lead to results.

Could be what their coach is feeding them so they don't let up its been a very good series and I feel that game 3/4 could have went the Leafs way, Boston hasn't been dominating, Leafs will win tonight.

 

[Zee]

Any predictions on Kessel's performance tonight?  Win or lose, if he steps up tonight, I think that's a big statement to his critics.

Whatever happens tonight, or the rest of the series however many games that may be, I think he's already made that big statement to his critics.  It's good to not only see him score points, but also play engaging and inspired hockey against Boston. 

As for a prediction, I see him setting up a goal, but will be neutralized for the most part.

I know Kessel loves the wide skate on the wing where he semi-blows by the D and takes a wrist shot, but just once i'd like to see him blow by the D and drive the net for a goal, NOBODY would expect it.  The book is he'll shoot from the wing 100% of the time. 

 

[bustaheims]

I generally agree, but as I see it they've kept odd man rushes mostly to a minimum and most shots have come from the perimeter with goals on chunky rebounds.  Given the size and strength of Boston's team I don't think you could hope to limit their scoring chances much more than the Leafs already have.

The rebounds have been the biggest issue, but the defence hasn't helped him out much either. They're allowing the Bruins to get to pucks much more easily than they should. The Bruins may be big, but they don't really have a size advantage on the Leafs - there's not a huge difference in size between the two teams. The defence also has to do a better job of limiting the screens the Bruins are putting up on Reimer. He's put up a .914 Sv% - while that might not be game stealing, as far as first playoff appearances go, that's a respectable number. Cut down on the second chance opportunities and the screens, and he's more than good enough for the Leafs to be able to win.

 

[bustaheims]

Could be what their coach is feeding them so they don't let up its been a very good series and I feel that game 3/4 could have went the Leafs way, Boston hasn't been dominating, Leafs will win tonight.

I don't think Boston's been dominating, either. They've really just done a better job of cashing on their chances and taking advantage of the Leafs mistakes. In terms of overall calibre of play, I think the two teams have been fairly even.

 

[Peter D.]

I know Kessel loves the wide skate on the wing where he semi-blows by the D and takes a wrist shot, but just once i'd like to see him blow by the D and drive the net for a goal, NOBODY would expect it.  The book is he'll shoot from the wing 100% of the time.

He has the Ovechkin one-move syndrome.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Just moved and don't have internet at the new place yet, so just been getting on intermittently at the library, but I hope Reimer steals the game tonight.  I hope he doesn't have to, but I hope he has one of those games.  I think any team in any series needs a game like that from a goalie.  He hasn't been bad by any stretch, I would just like to see that.

 

[Heroic Shrimp]

jonasTSN1050: Brad Marchand this morning: "After that first game they've pretty much taken over the series." Felt Bruins got "lucky" in game 4.

Damn, that's exactly the attitude I don't want to see from Boston.  I want to see some smug cockiness!

 

[Zee]

jonasTSN1050: Brad Marchand this morning: "After that first game they've pretty much taken over the series." Felt Bruins got "lucky" in game 4.

Damn, that's exactly the attitude I don't want to see from Boston.  I want to see some smug cockiness!

It's all mind games.  They're saying the right things in the press so as not to give the Leafs any bulletin board material to motivate the team.  There's probably some smug cockiness in the locker room because of their 3-1 lead.

 

[caver]

Regardless of tonights result, the Leafs have done better than Nucks and Habs this year which in itself is already somewhat satisfying. I did not expect the Leafs to win the series and they actually did pretty well against B?s. Right now, they can just play the spoilers and push Boston to earn the win. I would be really proud of them if they force Bruins to travel back to Toronto. If they do, you never know what happens.
The Leafs are huge underdogs being down 3-1, hopefully they will feel no burden on their shoulders, will pay attention to the details, will work hard and will be rewarded. Bruins are good, maybe best in the East, but they are certainly beatable, if the Leafs dont kill themselves as they have tendency to do.

If the Leafs lose tonight how have they done better than the Habs ?

Not being humiliated 6-1 twice for example...

OK. I get that look at it, but they did win the division. Here's hoping the Leafs win tonight so they get more playoff wins than the Habs.

 

[Highlander]

I would like to see Colbourne get some time tonight..worked with Frattin and Gardiner...give him something to remember and work towards.

 

[Joe S.]

Any predictions on Kessel's performance tonight?  Win or lose, if he steps up tonight, I think that's a big statement to his critics.

Whatever happens tonight, or the rest of the series however many games that may be, I think he's already made that big statement to his critics.  It's good to not only see him score points, but also play engaging and inspired hockey against Boston. 

As for a prediction, I see him setting up a goal, but will be neutralized for the most part.

I know Kessel loves the wide skate on the wing where he semi-blows by the D and takes a wrist shot, but just once i'd like to see him blow by the D and drive the net for a goal, NOBODY would expect it.  The book is he'll shoot from the wing 100% of the time.

60% of the time it works everytime.

 

[Zee]

Regardless of tonights result, the Leafs have done better than Nucks and Habs this year which in itself is already somewhat satisfying. I did not expect the Leafs to win the series and they actually did pretty well against B?s. Right now, they can just play the spoilers and push Boston to earn the win. I would be really proud of them if they force Bruins to travel back to Toronto. If they do, you never know what happens.
The Leafs are huge underdogs being down 3-1, hopefully they will feel no burden on their shoulders, will pay attention to the details, will work hard and will be rewarded. Bruins are good, maybe best in the East, but they are certainly beatable, if the Leafs dont kill themselves as they have tendency to do.

If the Leafs lose tonight how have they done better than the Habs ?

Not being humiliated 6-1 twice for example...

OK. I get that look at it, but they did win the division. Here's hoping the Leafs win tonight so they get more playoff wins than the Habs.

More playoff wins than Habs + Canucks combined. 

 

[PG]

Boston has not dominated but unfortunately goalies are part of the team too, and theirs has been way better.

 

[Zee]

Any predictions on Kessel's performance tonight?  Win or lose, if he steps up tonight, I think that's a big statement to his critics.

Whatever happens tonight, or the rest of the series however many games that may be, I think he's already made that big statement to his critics.  It's good to not only see him score points, but also play engaging and inspired hockey against Boston. 

As for a prediction, I see him setting up a goal, but will be neutralized for the most part.

I know Kessel loves the wide skate on the wing where he semi-blows by the D and takes a wrist shot, but just once i'd like to see him blow by the D and drive the net for a goal, NOBODY would expect it.  The book is he'll shoot from the wing 100% of the time.

60% of the time it works everytime.

My idea was having it work one time because nobody is expecting him to cut in and drive the net, say OT in game 7?

 

[Joe S.]

My idea was having it work one time because nobody is expecting him to cut in and drive the net, say OT in game 7?

Please tell me you didn't miss that awesome anchorman reference!

 

[Zee]

My idea was having it work one time because nobody is expecting him to cut in and drive the net, say OT in game 7?

Please tell me you didn't miss that awesome anchorman reference!

Never saw anchorman so I missed it!

 

[Joe S.]

My idea was having it work one time because nobody is expecting him to cut in and drive the net, say OT in game 7?

Please tell me you didn't miss that awesome anchorman reference!

Never saw anchorman so I missed it!

Watch this and have a laugh:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKiSPUc2Jck