Well for starters, the team got better this year and the core still seems to be there
- Canada Cup

I asked about next year, though. How do we get better keeping the core intact? I assume you mean, basically, the same thing? Add fringe free agents and hope they turn into players?

The Leafs lost 3 of the last 4 games against Tampa, and didn’t even show up for game 4. They blew a lead in game 6 in the third again, and couldn’t really get close to the net in game seven, with most shots from the outside. When it counts, and other teams step up, Leaf’s have no fight.
- Bullot

Lol, what a blowout that game 7 was

The Leafs lost 3 of the last 4 games against Tampa, and didn’t even show up for game 4. They blew a lead in game 6 in the third again, and couldn’t really get close to the net in game seven, with most shots from the outside. When it counts, and other teams step up, Leaf’s have no fight.
- Bullot

Blew the lead / gave up the lead when a brutal call eventually led to a 5 on 3. Same thing right.

"The difference in the first round could be measured by a sliver. The Leafs are getting questioned for not having a killer instinct, especially when they held a 3-2 series lead after five games, but consider Tampa’s experience. That it turns out that the mettle that comes from winning back-to-back Cups outweighs that which comes from losing in the first round for several seasons in a row shouldn’t surprise anyone. One is not like the other.

We wonder — where was Tampa’s killer instinct in 2019, when it won the Presidents’ Trophy handily but then was swept in the first round by the Columbus Blue Jackets? Jon Cooper remained the coach and the nucleus of players did not change. Tampa hasn’t lost a playoff round since."

Blew the lead / gave up the lead when a brutal call eventually led to a 5 on 3. Same thing right.

"The difference in the first round could be measured by a sliver. The Leafs are getting questioned for not having a killer instinct, especially when they held a 3-2 series lead after five games, but consider Tampa’s experience. That it turns out that the mettle that comes from winning back-to-back Cups outweighs that which comes from losing in the first round for several seasons in a row shouldn’t surprise anyone. One is not like the other.

We wonder — where was Tampa’s killer instinct in 2019, when it won the Presidents’ Trophy handily but then was swept in the first round by the Columbus Blue Jackets? Jon Cooper remained the coach and the nucleus of players did not change. Tampa hasn’t lost a playoff round since."
- joel878

I'll give you guys credit. You can roll out the excuses with the best of them (ie. Dubas and Shanahan). The koolaid is strong with this group.

I was embarrassed last year. I’m not sure how you can equate their play in those two series. Both losses hurt but for me, the criteria for assessing the team goes a bit deeper than lost in the first round.
- Canada Cup

Last years loss to the Habs was a choke and sucked way more then the loss this year. People argue that the Leafs don't play well enough when it matters or Tampa was beatable and the Leafs came up lame. People need to give credit where credit is due, Tampa is (frank)ing good pain and simple and need a bit more respect IMO. Did people actually think Tampa would roll over and hand it to them. Leafs went toe to toe with the best and almost pulled off the upset. That's how I see it anyways...

I'll give you guys credit. You can roll out the excuses with the best of them (ie. Dubas and Shanahan). The koolaid is strong with this group.
- fifty__missions

I feel bad for you.

I hope you find joy in other things because you most certainly do not with watching and talking about the Leafs which seems to be your favourite pass time.

I'll give you guys credit. You can roll out the excuses with the best of them (ie. Dubas and Shanahan). The koolaid is strong with this group.
- fifty__missions

I'll give you credit, you can completely disregard facts to push your whiney tantrum.

I guess as per that poll Luke Fox incited based on his tantrum just to have it go the wrong way on him, 67% of leaf fans are on the Kool-Aid. If you're part of the reputable woke minority who just refer to those who refuse to join their tantrum as sheep or similar in 2022, you're borderline genius.

It's going to be a long year and a bit with you going out of your way to write off every move as "more of the same" and then moping about it for pages on end, just to tune in next season every day waiting for your told you so moment. You are hockeybuzz Eeyore without a doubt.

I asked about next year, though. How do we get better keeping the core intact? I assume you mean, basically, the same thing? Add fringe free agents and hope they turn into players?
- fifty__missions

Well I guess Leaf scouts are pretty good hopers because a lot of fringe players turned out ok.

I’m not sure how they do other than

1. Decide - which bottom 6 to keep - Kampf, Engvall, Blackwell, Spezza - who knows but Kampf for sure

2. Find money - some combo of Holl, Mrazek, Kerfoot, Muzzin

3. Address priorities- top 6 winger(s), goalie

The Leafs lost 3 of the last 4 games against Tampa, and didn’t even show up for game 4. They blew a lead in game 6 in the third again, and couldn’t really get close to the net in game seven, with most shots from the outside. When it counts, and other teams step up, Leaf’s have no fight.
- Bullot

Leafs won first 2 of 3. Also went even 2 out of 4 in the middle frame. Let's not skew the facts to make our narratives.

All that money spent in tonto and all you get is one level up from the Sabres.
- MLew65

Just like the observation deck of CN tower is only one level up from the curb on Front st.

This will be a tasty ban
- Santo_44

Harakiri comes to mind

I'll give you guys credit. You can roll out the excuses with the best of them (ie. Dubas and Shanahan). The koolaid is strong with this group.
- fifty__missions

What excuse? The Leafs lost. But to say they didn’t show up is idiotic.

STAY.THE.COURSE.

Well I guess Leaf scouts are pretty good hopers because a lot of fringe players turned out ok.

I’m not sure how they do other than

1. Decide - which bottom 6 to keep - Kampf, Engvall, Blackwell, Spezza - who knows but Kampf for sure

2. Find money - some combo of Holl, Mrazek, Kerfoot, Muzzin

3. Address priorities- top 6 winger(s), goalie
- Canada Cup

This is basically going to be it right here.

Harakiri comes to mind
- 21peter

Remember when TB got swept, made no changes. Then won 2 in a row?

This is basically going to be it right here.
- Santo_44

Guys I’ve been Kyle Dubas all along

Remember when TB got swept, made no changes. Then won 2 in a row?
- drexel

they won because the refs

Remember when TB got swept, made no changes. Then won 2 in a row?
- drexel

Trading Kucherov was a bold move but it really paid off for them

they won because the refs
- wingz4life

That’s the biggest mistake Dubas made was criticizing refs earlier in the season.

Trading Kucherov was a bold move but it really paid off for them
- Canada Cup

I mean Gourde

Just like the observation deck of CN tower is only one level up from the curb on Front st.
- Aetherial

Oh my

Remember when TB got swept, made no changes. Then won 2 in a row?
- drexel

Trading Kucherov was a bold move but it really paid off for them
- Canada Cup

I meant Goodrow

What excuse? The Leafs lost. But to say they didn’t show up is idiotic.
- Canada Cup

I didn't say that.