Hockey Playoffs: Stanley Cup (NHL), Walter Cup (PWHL)

I disagree. Them winning game 4 had nothing to do with that. The reason is in the numbers. Look at shots on goal (especially in the 1st and 2nd periods), and total time in possession of the puck, and you’ll see why the Panthers won. If the Leafs had played with more coordinated intensity (and therefore more command of the ice and the puck), it would have been a different game. Not sure who would have won, but it would not have been so one-sided.

That scuffle at the end was frustrated Leafs seeing their series disappear before their eyes.

The weird thing is that it has nothing to do with the goaltending. Joseph Woll was brilliant, absolutely brilliant. He is the only reason that game wasn’t a 6-0 blowout. There’s something in the forwards and defence for the Leafs now that is just evaporating (or maybe was never there). They’re crumpling under pressure.

It was excellent stickhandling and a brilliant deke. I give him credit for technical skill on that. He made the most of the opportunity.

IMG_0280

Oh I’m aware. Doesn’t change my opinion of them :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

They do have a player or two that I like. Kulikov specifically has been a favorite of mine since coming into the league.

Could also flip that around and point out the irony of Panthers fans chanting “USA! USA!” when the Leafs have more than double the American players they do, and yes, have the best American player in the game :face_with_tongue:

Matthews is actually “from” Arizona. Born in the bay area, but moved to Scottsdale as a baby and grew up there. Being a fan of the Coyotes (RIP to some amazing jerseys) is what I got him into playing.

As an FYI - I’m American, too. A Leafs fan from Boston, if you can believe that.

3 Likes

It is a heartbreaking reality, being an Ottawa fan. I feel sometimes like I’m rooting for a farm team, frankly; just a place for mostly younger players to hone their chops before playing for contenders :man_shrugging: Not much I can do about it personally other than to be resolute in my commitment. They’re my team and I’m with them no matter what.

I’ve been cheering for the Ottawa Charge too (our PWHL team). Watching PWHL hockey is like watching original six NHL hockey. It’s exciting and unpredictable. I like it :star_struck:

1 Like

At least the Senators have sick uniforms, now that they went back to the originals and modernized it a bit. I’d love to have a shirt or something with that logo, but of course I can’t bring myself to do such a thing!

I catch PWHL here and there. If it isn’t obvious by now, I love a good uniform, and Montreal’s are spectacular.

2 Likes

Haha, I love a good jab at the Leafs, even a little poetically.

I think you describe here their curse. They always flip mentally to loosing. They are good. I think its more of a question of heart. Panthers have this fight. Leafs?

Believe in yourselves Leafs.

1 Like

I agree. I don’t know what it is with the Leafs but they never seem to have the coordinated team spirit and intense team play to make it happen. It’s bizarre. Every other Canadian team, even the Sens, has had times over the last 20 years of really intense, excellent team play, with heart and with determination. The Leafs? I have no idea why but it doesn’t click. It folds in the playoffs.

Maybe it has something to do with team culture and ownership. Can things like that affect game play? Probably right?

1 Like

Charles Barkley said so
Case closed

2 Likes

One thing I love about hockey is the commentators. I’m a commentator snob and hockey commentators are fantastic. For instance, Steve levy is great. Calling the game now and does baseball too and he’s fantastic at both

1 Like

I love Montreal’s uniforms too. In my opinion, best in the league (as far as uniforms go; for hockey, we’ll have to see who comes out the winner in the best-of-five series against Ottawa, which Ottawa is currently leading 2-1).

Seattle is getting a PWHL team next year - I wonder what name the team will get? And uniforms :thinking: :slightly_smiling_face:

1 Like

Reading up on this thread now.

There is still hope for the Leafs. They are back in Toronto for the next game. It should be a close game. They will give it their all. If they lose game 5, then it’s a wrap and they are likely finished in 6.

But if they fight hard and are able to win tomorrow, then I expect them to get to the next round.

It’s all in the next game. I believe the goalie Stolarz will be back. If he lets in early goals, his confidence will be shattered. Let’s see how this plays out.

1 Like

I’m a fan of good commentary as well.

I don’t know much about Steve Levy but for me I love watching the commentary that includes NHL players. PK Subban and Mark Messier join Levy here to discuss the first-round Dallas-Colorado series, and it’s a good talk:

I was a kid when Messier helped New York break their Stanley Cup drought (are we paying attention Leafs? :innocent:), and he always had high expectations for himself and his teammates. He was a good leader.

For me, I grew up on Ron McLean. He’s a brilliant host and the original hockey commentator :star_struck:; every other commentator today owes him a debt (and not just for his patience with Don Cherry :squinting_face_with_tongue:):

1 Like

The way Woll is playing, they should keep him in. He was phenomenal in game 4. It is true they lost, but they lost because of lack of spirit and intensity (and coordination, passing, teamwork) among the skaters. Frankly, the offence and defence in Toronto played at about half the intensity and focus they are capable of.

Woll played brilliantly, and if Florida hadn’t been controlling the puck and out-shooting Toronto like 4 to 1 in the first two periods, it would have been a very different game.

1 Like

Messier is fantastic. You can tell why he was so damn good, he never ever gets too high or low, even in the studio. Gretzky has a very similar demeanor when interviewed. Subban is entertaining just a bit eccentric. He makes me nervous through the tv. Then there’s the guy always decked out in leafs gear. Paul Bissonnette. He doesn’t try to hide his love for them.

1 Like

Panthers!!

5 Likes

Kind of what we’d expect from this series. We’ve all seen this movie before. I know hope springs eternal in Toronto, but then there’s reality.

2 Likes

Well said.

Stolarz is still not back in and the Panthers are up 4-0.

Leafs in 7? Maybe? I can dream lol

I was originally going to comment that I sadly witnessed an even worse game live in person in 2020 just before the whole world shut down but then somehow tonights game got even worse :flushed_face:

4 Likes

The Ottawa Charge are playing brilliantly in this series, which they’re leading - I am excited for where my team is going!

1 Like