[PGT] Leafs 2 Flames 1

[Aarongavey]

After 20 games this team has 34 even strength goals. On pace for 139 over an 82 game season.

Last year they had 157 even strength goals over 70 games, which was on pace for 184 over an 82 game season.

I wonder if they would try putting Lindholm on the top line, Backlund with Tkachuk to try to create two scoring lines 5 on 5 instead of zero scoring lines 5 on 5. It is harder for the other coach to line match when you have a scoring line.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by theinfinitejar

This is so frustrating. I know people have different opinions about the how far these players are capable of going, but there's no way this group of players should be this bad at entering the zone. Over the course of these series they get worse and worse. I don't know how it could be more obvious that it's a system issue.

Except they tried the things the experts here have been wanting. Stretches, cross ice to the weak side, and they keep getting picked off. Because they can’t pass. Hell, how many odd man rush passes got busted tonight?

[Roof-Daddy]

"Three out four points against the top team in the division"

Yeah, while getting out played, out shot, out chanced and out classed.

Talk about lowered expectations.

I'm glad they got the points, but good lord this team is just really pathetic. There is just no chance IMO that they could realistically contend for a cup the way they are built/coached.

[GioforPM]

Tkachuk needs to shoot that puck EN. If he misses, Lindholm is there on the far side, maybe gets the rebound.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

Has Tree ever traded a high pick or prospect at the deadline?
Or are we just making up stuff to be mad about?
Which is cool if we are. Just seems like there is enough real stuff to be angry about no need to pretend there is more

I am mad, and really just not happy to see another build go sideways.

But I lean towards him doing it this year as the gm trying to save his job thing. Hopefully his job is getting close to being on the line at this point.

[keenan87]

The guys on Fan960 in complete homer mode. Loubardias is the worst.

[OldSam]

Oh look - the Leafs ADJUSTED their game plan and won. Thank heavens for David. Let's see what happens tomorrow night.

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Tkachuk needs to shoot that puck EN. If he misses, Lindholm is there on the far side, maybe gets the rebound.

He did get hooked. Shoulda been a penalty.

[genetic_phreek]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

Has Tree ever traded a high pick or prospect at the deadline?
Or are we just making up stuff to be mad about?
Which is cool if we are. Just seems like there is enough real stuff to be angry about no need to pretend there is more

Well unlike his past he is almost out of moves. He can't fire the coach because he's already had his chance to select three, the only real option he has is to make a splash through trade.

[DazzlinDino]

On the tying goal too many players standing in front of the net. Can't watch the puck they needed to push those players out of the crease and that would have solved the problem.

[Jeff Lebowski]

No Wills. This is the disconnect. The idea that you play good defensively gives you more opportunity to play with the puck. In theory that works but:

CGY doesn't make any hay once they get the puck. We don't generate anything we don't play with the puck. CGY checks then gives it back.

[Flame On]

More mad with the refs tonight than the team.
I don't really mind Ward not calling for a review that might have hozed them.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by keenan87

The guys on Fan960 in complete homer mode. Loubardias is the worst.

They can't really act like every game is the end of the world like you do. Take the points and move on...game tomorrow night.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by keenan87

The guys on Fan960 in complete homer mode. Loubardias is the worst.

I can’t listen to them anymore.

They provide almost no analysis anymore. They had nothing to the analysis of the game. It’s all just talking about good people and how team is growing/developing, and then some awkward shots at the audience because fans are generally upset with the lack of direction and utter mediocrity of the organization.

[Dion]

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by keenan87

The guys on Fan960 in complete homer mode. Loubardias is the worst.

Yup. I never listen after the games anymore. I think Lou is a nice guy and I like him calling the games, but he would praise a ferry Captain after crashing through a dock if he was "a good human"

[AustinL_NHL]

5v5 through the two games:

Leafs:
CF: 98 (59.8%)
FF: 81 (61.8%)
SF: 53 (58.2%)
SCF: 44 (57.9%)
HDCF: 20 (70.0%)
xGF: 3.79 (65.1%)

Flames:
CF: 66 (40.2%)
FF: 50 (38.2%)
SF: 38 (41.8%)
SCF: 32 (42.1%)
HDCF: 9 (30.0%)
xGF: 2.03 (34.9%)

The Leafs had more 5v5 high danger chances tonight alone (12) than the Flames did over 2 games against a 3rd string goaltender. Averaging 19 shots a game 5v5 against a 3rd string goalie is unacceptable.

BSD played out of his god damn mind to steal 3 points and some people are happy with those road games? If those are both losses like they should've been, fans are calling for everyones head. But instead we're going to let ourselves get blinded by 3 unearned points because we got back-to-back God-like performances from our goalie?

Yea, no thanks.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by keenan87

The guys on Fan960 in complete homer mode. Loubardias is the worst.

To be fair, you have to if you want to make your job palatable discussing 56 games of this inconsistent team that will flat line during the most important minute in a 60 minute game.

I'd be trying to skew it positively as well.

Luckily I can swoop in to call it like I see it, then don't have to watch or pay attention and can preserve my contentment and sanity as needed. They can't do the same. I applaud them for their work given the circumstances.

[GioforPM]

The Ottawa games are a bit of an acid test. Every other team has made hay from them. Calgary has to do the same.

[Mass_nerder]

Toronto is a good team, even missing some big players, so I can be happy with 3/4 points. If we don't get 5/8 points in the next 4 against Ottawa, I'm not sure I can handle it.
Ottawa has been much better lately, but we are still a better team (on paper).