PLEASE...don't be playing the "injuries", "playing hurt" card...Nucks are on their 3rd string goalie FFS....ALL teams are dinged up....they freakin won more games with Matthew out, than in!!!...No, it is NOT injuries why the Leafs faltered. Not in the least!
- hawk35

1. I didn't play any cards, I stated facts that explained why I feel the way I do.

2. I didn't say those were the reasons they lost but I'm not sure how anyone couldn't acknowledge that they are/were contributing factors.

3. I don't give a poop what string goalie the "Nucks" are using and that has absolutely zero to do with what I said.

4. So you just wanted to post that I'm wrong, whine about the Canucks goal tending situation, take a pot shot at Matthews and not offer any opinion or insight - which leads me to point #5

5. (frank) all the way off Troll.

Well if you believe he’s a marquee player then why even entertain the thought of trading him? Let’s say for a sec that the Leafs pull off the impossible..,. Makar for Marner and acquire a legit starting goalie that can be be relied upon to steal multiple playoff games….in all likelihood such a team may be forced to spend significant assets to re acquire another marquee player at the TDL
- Turnitaround

I like Marner as much as anyone, but if you can get Makar you do it, (frank) the TDL

I see what you’re saying tho. No matter what, if they trade Marner they’re losing that trade.

Leafs had a chance to trade Willy while his value was at its peak. They probably could’ve got a real nice haul. There’s zero chance he repeats last years performance, but at least he’s a good offensive player who can score goals.

But like I said, if they get Berube as a coach, he’ll be the next Tarasenko.

1. I didn't play any cards, I stated facts that explained why I feel the way I do.

2. I didn't say those were the reasons they lost but I'm not sure how anyone couldn't acknowledge that they are/were contributing factors.

3. I don't give a poop what string goalie the "Nucks" are using and that has absolutely zero to do with what I said.

4. So you just wanted to post that I'm wrong, whine about the Canucks goal tending situation, take a pot shot at Matthews and not offer any opinion or insight - which leads me to point #5

5. (frank) all the way off Troll.
- Cush29

(Not starting an argument here)

But why is Matthews immune from criticism?

If anyone has underperformed and is making a lot of money, it AM34.

I get that he’s not the scapegoat, but he hasn’t been even close to good enough in the playoffs.

The Leafs make the playoffs without one of the core players regardless of which of them it is including Marner.

Marner is overpaid now and has been his entire current contract so he should re-up at the same salary max but more likely be the one to be traded. I mean if he really is in love with the team, fans and city why wouldn't' he re-sign at 10.9M?

The Marner hate isn't really Marner hate, it's hate of the way the team is structured in relation to salary cap distribution, combined with who is locked into a multi year deal currently vs who is a pending UFA soon mixed in with recent playoff performance.

If at any point in the recent years with this core the Leafs had lost in the cup finals it's doubtful that anyone is talking about having to move a piece of the core and/or and trying to run any player out of town.


Matthews and Willy are not going anywhere.

(Not starting an argument here)

But why is Matthews immune from criticism?

If anyone has underperformed and is making a lot of money, it AM34.

I get that he’s not the scapegoat, but he hasn’t been even close to good enough in the playoffs.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Nice try - time to change lures.

Nice try - time to change lures.
- Cush29

?

Nvm then.

I might be late to this but did we all see the new angle/video of the Bennet on Marchand?

The reach-around punch to the jaw!? The (frank).......?!
- The Law

I saw it for the first time last night, and it sure AF looked like Bennett knew exactly what he was doing, despite him claiming otherwise in his statement on the hit.

He's a dirty POS, the head slam to the ice on Knies last year and now this, not sure how the league allows it yet again but the NHL's officiating is hot garbage.

There is a lot less outrage or even sympathy outside the Boston fan base simply because it was Marchand who was the victim here.

Soucy cross check to McJesus's face last night was also pretty bad - I bet he gets a game.

Bunting and Kardi each get 3 games for it.

The Leafs miss the playoffs without Mitch.

No one is saying 13M. That’s too much.

And let’s not act like the Marner hate started this playoffs. Leafs could lose in the finals and they’d still be trying to run him out of town.

He’s not going anywhere.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Saying the Leafs would miss the playoffs without Mitch is not really meaningful. I guess if he was injured all season, that might make it tough for them to make it.
But thats not how it works, if you remove Mitch, you are replacing him with 1 or 2 other players (also pretty good players). The Leafs made the playoffs by 11 points. Outside of a Goalie, there is no winger who is an 11 standings point difference.

The Marner discourse started with his contract neg (fair or not) its the fan perception that matters. it felt like he held out and screwed the Leafs to get every cent and not allow them to fill out the team properly (I think we have proof that has played out exactly). Now thats totally Mitches right, but you just have to accept what comes with it.

Saying the Leafs would miss the playoffs without Mitch is not really meaningful. I guess if he was injured all season, that might make it tough for them to make it.
But thats not how it works, if you remove Mitch, you are replacing him with 1 or 2 other players (also pretty good players). The Leafs made the playoffs by 11 points. Outside of a Goalie, there is no winger who is an 11 standings point difference.

The Marner discourse started with his contract neg (fair or not) its the fan perception that matters. it felt like he held out and screwed the Leafs to get every cent and not allow them to fill out the team properly (I think we have proof that has played out exactly). Now thats totally Mitches right, but you just have to accept what comes with it.
- senstroll

He led the Leafs in points over the duration of his contract. Both regular season, and playoffs.

He wasn’t overpaid imo. His defence is what makes him so valuable. I know you’ll probably disagree and that’s fine.

Leafs win no problem when 34/88 are out.. but not when Mitch isn’t playing.

Leaf wins when a player is out by %

AM - 62.5
WN - 47
MM - 48

He led the Leafs in points over the duration of his contract. Both regular season, and playoffs.

He wasn’t overpaid imo. His defence is what makes him so valuable. I know you’ll probably disagree and that’s fine.

Leafs win no problem when 34/88 are out.. but not when Mitch isn’t playing.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

While I do think Marner has been a significant contributor for the Leafs in the regular season, I don't think his importance is as big as Auston Matthews.

The man scored 69 goals (nice).

I can think of plenty of times the Leafs were saved by a Matthews hat trick. If you want to make a good case of "the Leafs miss the playoffs without that guy" I think Matthew is the guy to make it for, not Marner.

At least for last season.

He led the Leafs in points over the duration of his contract. Both regular season, and playoffs.

He wasn’t overpaid imo. His defence is what makes him so valuable. I know you’ll probably disagree and that’s fine.

Leafs win no problem when 34/88 are out.. but not when Mitch isn’t playing.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Well it was a lot for an RFA winger and only 5 years. (the Highest AAV ever?)
So the pressure was on him to get it done (when it matters) and I assume you will dispute that, but imo he has failed miserably in that regard. Just a no show in do or die games

PLEASE...don't be playing the "injuries", "playing hurt" card...Nucks are on their 3rd string goalie FFS....ALL teams are dinged up....they freakin won more games with Matthew out, than in!!!...No, it is NOT injuries why the Leafs faltered. Not in the least!
- hawk35

Leafs fans, you can lead them to water but you cannot make them drink. Too many betas in Canada

Leaf wins when a player is out by %

AM - 62.5
WN - 47
MM - 48
- Cush29

Exactly.

You’re talking now? Nice to see.

Leafs are sub 500 w/o MM. that’s not a playoff team.

I like Marner as much as anyone, but if you can get Makar you do it, (frank) the TDL

I see what you’re saying tho. No matter what, if they trade Marner they’re losing that trade.

Leafs had a chance to trade Willy while his value was at its peak. They probably could’ve got a real nice haul. There’s zero chance he repeats last years performance, but at least he’s a good offensive player who can score goals.

But like I said, if they get Berube as a coach, he’ll be the next Tarasenko.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

no one was really interested in paying the price for him

Saying the Leafs would miss the playoffs without Mitch is not really meaningful. I guess if he was injured all season, that might make it tough for them to make it.
But thats not how it works, if you remove Mitch, you are replacing him with 1 or 2 other players (also pretty good players). The Leafs made the playoffs by 11 points. Outside of a Goalie, there is no winger who is an 11 standings point difference.

The Marner discourse started with his contract neg (fair or not) its the fan perception that matters. it felt like he held out and screwed the Leafs to get every cent and not allow them to fill out the team properly (I think we have proof that has played out exactly). Now thats totally Mitches right, but you just have to accept what comes with it.
- senstroll

I am in for Saros.

Brad can use the money on some D.

Towers on D and the little man in net

1. I didn't play any cards, I stated facts that explained why I feel the way I do.

2. I didn't say those were the reasons they lost but I'm not sure how anyone couldn't acknowledge that they are/were contributing factors.

3. I don't give a poop what string goalie the "Nucks" are using and that has absolutely zero to do with what I said.

4. So you just wanted to post that I'm wrong, whine about the Canucks goal tending situation, take a pot shot at Matthews and not offer any opinion or insight - which leads me to point #5

5. (frank) all the way off Troll.
- Cush29

Oh my, did I offer my thoughts at the wrong time of the month for ya??? Sorry to get your panties in a bunch. I retract all I commented, Leafs lost cuz dinged up, come back next year with same healthy crew, should be easy Cup win. Or at least the Finals. love this core, but for a few injuries I am sure they would have done massive damage on the other playoff teams.

Well it was a lot for an RFA winger and only 5 years. (the Highest AAV ever?)
So the pressure was on him to get it done (when it matters) and I assume you will dispute that, but imo he has failed miserably in that regard. Just a no show in do or die games
- senstroll

I dispute it but not militantly..

I think in the playoffs, Mitch didn’t have any support whatsoever. He should’ve been playing with Matthews, because AM at least knows where to be on the ice. There was less space and no one was getting open to receive Mitch’s passes. He could’ve been better, but the way the team played was wrong.

(Not starting an argument here)

But why is Matthews immune from criticism?

If anyone has underperformed and is making a lot of money, it AM34.

I get that he’s not the scapegoat, but he hasn’t been even close to good enough in the playoffs.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Matthews plays all season in 5th gear. Most NHL players play the season in 4th gear.
So when playoffs comes these guys kick it into 5th gear meanwhile Matthews just stays the same and that’s why he looks like any other scrub player in the playoffs.

He doesn’t have another gear, he’s not a winner.

no one was really interested in paying the price for him
- dmnted

Wisely.

I dispute it but not militantly..

I think in the playoffs, Mitch didn’t have any support whatsoever. He should’ve been playing with Matthews, because AM at least knows where to be on the ice. There was less space and no one was getting open to receive Mitch’s passes. He could’ve been better, but the way the team played was wrong.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Ah yes, the team made MM play bad.

Ok.

Exactly.

You’re talking now? Nice to see.

Leafs are sub 500 w/o MM. that’s not a playoff team.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

What about a Leafs team with player making 7 like Marchessault or Guentzel and 5.5 like Zadorov or Tanev instead of Mitch?

These are just examples....of rough 12.5mil to spend on UFA

Leaf wins when a player is out by %

AM - 62.5
WN - 47
MM - 48
- Cush29

For those who have decided to selectivly read this, the Leafs win almost the exact same % of games when MM is out as they do when WN is out and win more when AM is out than either MM or WN.


This would make a statement like "Leafs win no problem when Matthews or Nylander are out but not when Marner is out" factually inaccurate.

If anything the statement should be "Leafs win no problem when Matthews is out and at the same pace when either Marner or Nylander is out which is less than half the time one of those 2 is out".

Oh my, did I offer my thoughts at the wrong time of the month for ya??? Sorry to get your panties in a bunch. I retract all I commented, Leafs lost cuz dinged up, come back next year with same healthy crew, should be easy Cup win. Or at least the Finals. love this core, but for a few injuries I am sure they would have done massive damage on the other playoff teams.
- hawk35

Oh a mensuration joke - how clever.

Again I never said that but I get it reading & understanding is hard for you.

You can still (frank) off though.

What about a Leafs team with player making 7 like Marchessault or Guentzel and 5.5 like Zadorov or Tanev instead of Mitch?

These are just examples....of rough 12.5mil to spend on UFA
- senstroll

Yes to either of those uses of the amount of one single salary from a core player on the Leafs who has not been a playoff performer when it matters.