"Way better" may be a bit of an exaggeration.

But I think what people are conveniently forgetting is that both Gardiner and Dermott were far from 100% in the playoffs.

We don't have to be "way better" next year. Just a little better, and "way healthier."
- Atomic Wedgie

Hainsey and Zaitsev really hurt this team bad. I don't think people realize it.

There are good defenders that can pass.
- aminnes

Umm obviously, no one said otherwise.

"Stay at home" is code for poopty dman who can't move the puck and gets stuck in his own zone. Usually terrible defensively but dimwits think he's good defensively.

Umm obviously, no one said otherwise.

"Stay at home" is code for poopty dman who can't move the puck and gets stuck in his own zone. Usually terrible defensively but dimwits think he's good defensively.
- burn

This. It's like when someone says a guy is a great defensive forward. We know what that means..

Stupid Blues.
- aminnes

yeah doesn't strengthen the argument.

This. It's like when someone says a guy is a great defensive forward. We know what that means..
- RogerRoeper

These two guys think that posting the blues roster is proof that they're right

These two guys think that posting the blues roster is proof that they're right
- burn

Every year a different type of team wins and every year someone says that's the only way you win. It's so stupid. The NHl is so wide open and you need health and luck and talent.

I'm hungover, stuck at work, hungry and pissed off.

And I did the math in my head, so please feel free to doubt my figures!
- Atomic Wedgie

I thought it was Adam Foote for suresies.

Every year a different type of team wins and every year someone says that's the only way you win. It's so stupid. The NHl is so wide open and you need health and luck and talent.
- RogerRoeper

Yup. Remeber when Pitts won when letang was out with injury and all they had was matta and doumalin lol. "Don't need elite defenseman to win"


Get as much elite talent as you can everywhere you can and hope to stay healthy.

Everyone was certain that Boston was winning and then all their dmen got injured.

Yup. Remeber when Pitts won when letang was out with injury and all they had was matta and doumalin lol. "Don't need elite defenseman to win"


Get as much elite talent as you can everywhere you can and hope to stay healthy.

Everyone was certain that Boston was winning and then all their dmen got injured.
- burn

NHL is not like the NBA. You can have the most talent, and a very good chance no cup for you. You need luck, health and have your core play their best at the right time.

Hell, Blues season is over if not for a rookie goalie. And they missed the playoffs last year.

The year before Washington has 2 posts save them from going home against TBay. And then everyone said you need to be "Big" like Washington because of Wilson.

Here's a few articles:

https://www.theglobeandma...tance-plan/article765786/

https://www.cbc.ca/sports...adian-assistance-1.273186

https://www.chicagotribun...-06-0001060148-story.html
- Atomic Wedgie

Thanks man. I wasn't aware of the details. It's not a lot of money, so it's hard to think such a small amount would have made or broken Edmonton or Calgary but it still stands.

I could be wrong but as long as the dollar is at 70 or higher the Canadian teams are subsidizing other teams. It looks like this applies if the dollar goes way south.

NHL is not like the NBA. You can have the most talent, and a very good chance no cup for you. You need luck, health and have your core play their best at the right time.

Hell, Blues season is over if not for a rookie goalie. And they missed the playoffs last year.

The year before Washington has 2 posts save them from going home against TBay. And then everyone said you need to be "Big" like Washington because of Wilson.
- RogerRoeper

Last year caps were a hair away from being down 3-0 against clb in the 2nd round.

Last year caps were a hair away from being down 3-0 against clb in the 2nd round.
- burn

Yup. And that's why people who say Leafs are not a contender are insane.

Absolutely not.

Plus minus is a garbage stat.
- Santo_44

'For an individual player, the Corsi number is calculated by taking the number of shot attempts his team gets at even strength while he is on the ice and divides it by the number of shot attempts the opponent gets while he is on the ice. So, it's like plus-minus, but for shot attempts instead of goals.'

Garbage stat that you have used many many times.

nhl playoffs are like 90% luck

tampa is exponentially better than every other team and got their ass whooped

Umm obviously, no one said otherwise.

"Stay at home" is code for poopty dman who can't move the puck and gets stuck in his own zone. Usually terrible defensively but dimwits think he's good defensively.
- burn

Nope. Vlasic is the best stay at home d man in the league. You are using your own definition.

"Way better" may be a bit of an exaggeration.

But I think what people are conveniently forgetting is that both Gardiner and Dermott were far from 100% in the playoffs.

We don't have to be "way better" next year. Just a little better, and "way healthier."
- Atomic Wedgie

The Leafs will have one player on D that started in last years opening game.

I'd argue the D got a lot better with Muzzin...now it got even better.

Rielly/Barrie/Muzz is a fantastic top 3. Dermott should finally break into a 2nd pairing role by seasons end.

Ceci is a mystery.

Lil and Sandin could surprise.

Harpuer is a better 7th D than Marincin.

I thought it was Adam Foote for suresies.
- Aetherial

Wait. So Colorado had great offensive defensemen, mixed with great stay at home defensemen like Foote? Who knew?

Wait. So Colorado had great offensive defensemen, mixed with great stay at home defensemen like Foote? Who knew?
- aminnes

they also didn't have a salary cap

NHL is not like the NBA. You can have the most talent, and a very good chance no cup for you. You need luck, health and have your core play their best at the right time.

Hell, Blues season is over if not for a rookie goalie. And they missed the playoffs last year.

The year before Washington has 2 posts save them from going home against TBay. And then everyone said you need to be "Big" like Washington because of Wilson.
- RogerRoeper

That and the coach. Parayko was treated like poop until Berube, then he was elevated. All those guys roles changed and it worked. It worked because they had a good mix on the back end, and of course, great tending when it mattered most.

Wait. So Colorado had great offensive defensemen, mixed with great stay at home defensemen like Foote? Who knew?
- aminnes

Pretty sure Sakic Forsberg and Roy helped and did they have Selanne and Kariya at one point?

'For an individual player, the Corsi number is calculated by taking the number of shot attempts his team gets at even strength while he is on the ice and divides it by the number of shot attempts the opponent gets while he is on the ice. So, it's like plus-minus, but for shot attempts instead of goals.'

Garbage stat that you have used many many times.
- aminnes

Shot attempts don't nearly as much luck as goals do.

And the difference from playing on a 31st place team to the 1st place team is massive for plus minus.

Polak was a plus 6 last year

Vlasic "the all star D" was minus 6

It is complete bull poop

they also didn't have a salary cap
- daeth

Oh. That darn cap again.

Pretty sure Sakic Forsberg and Roy helped and did they have Selanne and Kariya at one point?
- Aetherial

Yes. Need that too.

That and the coach. Parayko was treated like poop until Berube, then he was elevated. All those guys roles changed and it worked. It worked because they had a good mix on the back end, and of course, great tending when it mattered most.
- aminnes

They won the games.

They probably won't win the games next year. It is hockey. You have to be good to win but by no means do you have to be great.

Every year a different type of team wins and every year someone says that's the only way you win. It's so stupid. The NHl is so wide open and you need health and luck and talent.
- RogerRoeper

Yup.

You play the whole year over again with the same rosters it is doubtful St.Louis wins.

They are a good team that won the games.