3 Palmateers

I hope it was communicated clearly that the Leafs losing was part of a bad night but nowhere in the realm of the same thing as what happened with our beloved rescue husky and my daughter. That was terrifying, but less so because I didn't personally witness it. The spokesman for the group has a tendency to overstate things, so there is some question to how bad it actually was, but there was some serious evidence on her neck that something not good happened up there, but no breakage of skin. Thank you to everyone for the thoughts and well-wishes. I've gotten myriad of opinions here and from family and friends. As of now, we have a gate up to prevent our husky from accessing the upstairs. He's very bummed, but my oldest's room is where he acts differently so we've cut him off from there. We will see how he interacts when he has no access to that room. Perhaps, he will not show any more aggression. If not, we may keep him and just keep him away from upstairs. Not sure if that's workable because he LOVES it up there and seems sad he can't go up there. As noted, this is a tough issue but your kids and their safety are far more weighted than love for a dog. For others, I understand that line is blurry but I've always seen great separation between pets and children. The kids don't see it that way. Dogs are family members and should be treated as such in their eyes, but they are children. Back to the game, Keefe stated in his presser that the first goal proved to be very important. We all knew how big that would be. Again, Toronto could not get it. It always comes down to that ONE goal...that ONE play...and Toronto just can't ever make it even with a 60-goal scorer on their roster and one of the best set up men in NHL history. Something is missing. Way too many nice players who just can't be heroes. Now, you could apply that to Tampa. Where was Stamkos? Kucherov? Hedman? Etc. These guys didn't light the lamp either. Some deadline addition carried them to victory. Does this mean Kuch and Stamkos or someone like Perry ain't prime-timers? No. Those guys have proven themselves. No one on the Leafs has ever proven this.

The good news is, when it comes to Leaf-on-Leaf violence the fight gets called after one round:

No offense taken. I'm not wired that way. I can take about anything and I know you had no ill will in your comments so thank you for them. We were warned when we picked him up that he might have issues with us having another dog. Very territorial and camps out in my autistic son's room upstairs. Acts like he owns the place. My other son and daughter can't even go in that room and if they walk by he growls aggressively. He's usually very sweet but not in that scenario and the birthday brought them to his room and that's where this happened. I'll probably go back and forth a million times before ultimately moving on this either way. I'm glad it's Saturday night. Had it been during the day on a weekday, I'd probably have just taken him out of here by now. Again, thank you for your kind words. Wife mentioned we should get him some training when we first got him as he became aggressive when in Tyler's room. That bond between those two is something. He will be devastated if Milo goes.

I know this will be hard to believe, but I was in the building the night the Pens blanked Casey and the Stars 8-0. I sat right next to Nikki Trottier and Nancy Murphy. Nikki was as drunk as I've ever seen anyone. Mario's family was a few rows behind us in the section over from us. She looks just like him!!!! I went up to her between periods and she had this little toy cup. I tried talking to her but I didn't know she didn't speak English...just kept saying to my words...Mario. He's great. Mario. He's great. Yeah, he was. Used to be a season tix holder (20 game plan) Section 223 Row 1 Seat 9. I cried the day they razed Met Center. Still mad at Norm. So many memories. Used to go downstairs after games with Stargazers fan club which I wasn't part of but some women always had me go down there with them. Some amazing memories. That night was easier to stomach. That one was over quick. Still lament Broten missing an open net late in 3rd when they were up 2 games to 1.

Thank you for this. The worst is yet to come. It's already been a rough one. My wife has always wanted a husky. My daughter started looking at them online and found one with the worst picture I've ever seen. Super blurry. It had a caption next to it..."Act soon"...which we interpreted to mean it was going to be put to sleep. Daughter started sobbing uncontrollably and pleaded with me that we couldn't let him die. I got on it right away on a Saturday night and started sending messages. Was able to get ahold of someone about him Sunday morn and we drove 60 miles to rescue him. He's been an absolute joy. Has changed the atmosphere in this house pumping new great energy in here. The love for him is off the charts. We really don't want him to go and I'm almost afraid I won't get it done like my Leafs, but sensible parents can't keep him. If something bad happens, we're negligent and the last thing I want is this. Daughter loves him so much that she said if there was a fire she didn't know who she would try to save, first, her parents, or her dog. Ouch. Anyway. Sorry, for the personal woe and dog rant in the aftermath of a Game 7. Someday I'll see the Leafs play 90 games in a season...probably only if they extend the regular season to 84. EDIT: @TropicalFruitGirl26Thank you for sharing your child's situation. They are very special people. And, I know what it takes a parent so I have high regard for you even though we'll never meet. Tyler sees the world very differently. A bright, caring, others-focused child. Ironically, he has issues with his little sister but this brought all of them a little closer, so some good came out of it. They all realize what they mean to each other. Tyler did not want to see his little sister hurt. He cursed at the husky, and I've never heard a curse word ever come out of his mouth in his entire life.

Nobody cares, but I'm going to type it anyway. I wasn't supposed to see this game, and I'm kind of disappointed I had to watch the 5th straight year of ultimate game futility from this club. Today, was our firstborn's birthday. He's older but still a child, mentally speaking(autism). His birthday is a big deal to him even at an age where he shouldn't be quite so interested in it anymore. So, my wife and other kids decided there would be no hockey for me on his birthday. We spent the day out and came home to find our little Maltese acting funny. We got a rescue husky last September, and they've gotten along very well but not today for some reason. After we got home and my son opened all his presents they were all upstairs when the husky attacked my daughter. He bit her neck, aggressively, and she pulled away or this may have been much much worse. Both boys cried because their sister was close to suffering a major injury right before their eyes, and they don't roll tears very often. We'd planned on going out for dinner, but nobody felt comfortable leaving the dogs home alone together so they wanted me to stay which I was more than happy to do. They just grabbed some Papa Murphy's as my oldest loves their stuffed crust. Tears flowed some more thinking of how close it was. My daughter looks like she was scratched by a bear on her neck. The dog's teeth did some damage. Going to have to give this dog up, and we absolutely love him. So, doubly devastating. Daughter almost hurt badly, dog has to go, and Leafs fall short, again. My dogs (my Leafs and my rescue husky) let me down tonight. I don't think this was a great series. Typical Leafs loss in 7. Seen this vs. Boston, twice. The only game the Leafs don't score 3 goals in, is, of course, the finale. Just can't do it when the other team really really wants it. Keith Jones is right. Major changes are coming. Dubas and Keefe should be gone. Nylander should be gone. Campbell should be gone along with Mrazek. Overhaul this mess. It is good, but good is the enemy of great, and that's what Leafs fans expect.

Charles Barkley! Your predictions ain't worth &^%%!!!!!!

NOPE

The most important 2 minutes of the season coming... The #1 PP in the league in regular season better look like it right now.

4-1 final. That's what I see and feel. 4-1 going through my mind all day. Tampa should've scored there at the end and on the PP. A miracle this is still 2-1. Matthews and Marner always get blamed for these losses. They have 20 minutes and maybe an OT, to edit their Wikipedia pages in people's minds. You scored 60 that could've been 70 if not for injury. You've owned Vasilevskiy in your career. Your team is down 1. You spoke of putting your balls on the line. I will settle for ONE puck in the net in the 3rd or OT. Hard not visualizing the same old pressers we see every year with Marner's head down with a towel over the top in disbelief. Us Leafs fans just want to see NINETY games in a season. So sick of just 89. .

I was able to see 1st period (bizarre/scary story as to why I'm actually watching, as I shouldn't be able to tonight). Another 1st goal given up by Leafs in a huge game. Marner choked on an open net, and Cobra choked on one after the buzzer, so it wouldn't have counted, but the boys are choking when they get their opportunities. The PP going 0-2 is going to be part of the epitaph on this season if they get shutout in this one. Vasilevskiy looks good, but Marner should've scored on him. Point doesn't look like he'll be back for the rest of the season if Tampa advances, so Bolts gonna have to win it without him. I had the sound down low, but the building doesn't seem to be as energized as I expected. A tightness there that permeates as ghosts of the past hover.

Cooper is a joy to listen to in his pressers. Has a bigger fear of losing than a want to win. Seems like he genuinely has no feel one way or the other if his team will advance or go home. "Thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" was referenced by him. Called this "must-see-tv"..."great for the league", etc. He's pumped just as a hockey fan and said he was fortunate to have a front row seat. The simplest truth of this game is the winning team and its fans get to play next week...the loser has to wait until October.

I don't think either is "afraid" of the Panthers. I just think, especially in the case of the Leafs, knowing a Tom Wilson-less Caps team was the reward, it would be slightly more motivating. Wes McCauley is the guy officiating tonight's game. Toronto is 7-2, all-time, at home, in Game 7's. One thing that I found interesting...The team that scores 4 goals, is the team that has won EVERY game in this series. Tampa has been erratic, scoring between 0-7 goals in this series. The Leafs have been consistent. Leafs have scored 3 times in each loss, and either 4 or 5 in their wins. So, first team to 4 goals and 4 games wins. Where would you put your money as to which goalie is going to give up 4 tonight? EDIT: Here's quite the stat... In the last 6 series that Tampa has won, Vasilevskiy has FIVE SHUTOUTS and one 1-goal game. The guy has given up ONE goal in the last 6 series closing games for Tampa. Leafs scored 1 goal in their last two series closing games. Tell me that first goal, tonight, isn't bigger than it has ever been?

Patterns... The Leafs have gone to OT in the penultimate games their last two post-season series. They won one and lost one. In the finales, they scored 0 and 1 goals. So, a Vasilevskiy shutout sounds well within the realm of probability, not possibility. Toronto has ONE goal in deciding games in last two seasons. That's as heinous as their 0-8 record in these elimination game scenarios. Tampa has good patterns established. Toronto has the opposite. Best indicator of future performance is past performance. Bolts can handle the pressure. The Leafs have shown that they can in big moments, but when the biggest moments come, they just can't get over the hump. Who is most interested in a series against the Panthers? Had Washington won tonight, I think that oddly would give both teams a little bit of extra incentive. Florida waiting for Round 2 is not as motivating as thinking you were maybe getting a Caps team without Tom Wilson. Jack Campbell is all I can think about. There's 37 other guys out there playing for both teams and he's the one that matters more than any other. The guy is pure eraticism in the pipes leaving me anything but excited. Andersen was something like 0-8 in Game 7's in his career, so I was so happy to see him leave. Jack is 0-1 and showed real nerves vs. Montreal in an empty building. Where will his head be tomorrow night? I don't like the odds that it goes well for him at all. In fact, I'm not a gambler, but I told my wife I was thinking of opening an online account and putting a ridiculous sum on Tampa on the moneyline. When/if the Leafs lose at least I can mitigate the further emotional damage with some financial gain. And, if the Leafs do win, then I won't care and will think of it as poetic justice for me being so easily parted from my money.

Panthers look VERY beatable for a Presidents' trophy winner. Had Washington had Tom Wilson for this series, it very well could've been different. Whomever gets Florida between Tampa and Toronto shouldn't be daunted by the task in front of them, as the one they'll have just completed will have been tougher. What guts by Washington to tie it up late. Easily could've mailed it in after going down 3-2. Florida does what Florida does with those comebacks. Never can count them out even up 3 or 4 with minutes to go. Much better series than many anticipated but I thought Washington had a very good chance until Wilson got hurt. Weight of being Presidents' winner is a heavy burden as Tampa found out before going on their run.

I'm much less accepting than you. Changes have been needed for years and they won't happen when it's seen as just part of the game. It's an issue, and one that needs serious addressing and that has nothing to do with what happened in Game 6. Use video for everything. No reason not to do it. Get calls right so no fan, team, player, exec, etc. has to ever say something like it's just part of the game. It does not need to be and shouldn't be. With you 100% on the rest. Play it like you played Game 1. That's the best I've ever seen the Leafs. Full-throttle. All gas, no brake.

I felt so bad for Billy Bucks. The man died young and had dementia. No way for me to know but hard not to think the amount of stress that man was under from that moment on didn't play a role in his poor health and early death. RIP, Billy B. OT likely did Kerfoot a favor. That, and the officiating. Not sure how many have seen this, but there should've been no 5-on-3. Kampf didn't take a penalty there, and, in fact, Foote should've been sent to the box for embellishment. A potential Toronto PP erased for a Kampf non-penalty that led to Kerfoot's high stick, creating a disastrous 5-on-3. Minus, that debacle of officiating, the Leafs are likely on to the next round. It's very hard being asked to win a series you already felt you should've won. Perhaps, this will give the Leafs the fuel, as Matthews would call it, to win Game 7. One thing this team NEVER does is play angry and with a chip. Just thinking about this, I'm all fired up and upset that they got screwed last night. Hate to be like that, but you can't give a team a 5-on-3 in a situation like that. Yes, TFG is right. The stick to Stamkos' face should've been called just like Killorn's hold on Matthews and the stick/elbow to Kerfoot's face. If we took an inventory, I don't think it's fair to say both teams got victimized and leave it at that. While true, both were, one was victimized a lot more than the other. I hope the Leafs pull a Game 1 act on these worn out winners. Just drill them mercilessly. Get up and stay up and keep putting them past Vasilevskiy. Shoot for the Detroit 10-spot. They can do it, if they're angry and focused.

It's like someone read Morgan's mind and this was his thought bubble... Cup? FFS!!!!

I couldn't care less about ANY of these awards. However, one point I would make on Bunting is this... The notion that anyone can play with big stars like Matthews and Marner doesn't really hold any water. Many got opportunities to be with them. Bunting not only stuck but enhanced Matthews and Marner. It's one thing to hang on a line with big stars but when you can come in and not only fit like a glove, but enhance the big boys, you've done something mighty amazing. Do I think he should win? Again, I don't care. I just think he's been a tremendous player for the Leafs and made Matthews and Marner better. There's not another Leaf on this roster who would've done similarly. Not even Nylander or JT, IMO.

Something the Sportsnet crew spoke to regarding officiating was how they would officiate OT given the errors they made in officiating the 3rd period. Kelly Hrudey stopped short of saying the officials owed the Leafs one and might give them a makeup call in OT. Now, will any of that carry over into this game? I think this game should be called exactly as the previous six but I don't think it will be. I think the officials will call this one with an OT in Game 6 mindset from puck drop and throughout Game 7. Obviously, pucks over glass, and sticks to faces are going to be called, but some of the other stuff like the Killorn holding on Matthews that wasn't called in Game 6 sure isn't in Game 7, nor are the interferences and crosschecks. Leafs feel they've been the much better team 5v5. A game called loosely with little penalties will really benefit the Leafs. Also, if calls are close, officials tend to go with the home team and crowd. They're human and are influenced by such things from time to time. If they feel, as a crew, they did the Leafs wrong in Game 6...Will any of that carry over? So much to magnify and overblow, but I do honestly think the officials are a huge key to Game 7 for both teams. The Bolts beat the Isles in a Game 6 OT situation and then won at home 1-0 to win the series in Game 7. This time Tampa is on the road for Game 7. Leafs are 0-8 in opportunities to close series. This is their 9th chance to do so. At the end, they'll either be 1-8 or 0-9. Even if they win, that's still putrid. Very hard to undo well-established patterns. How much do the Leafs fight history along with Tampa? They have their hands full with the reigning back-to-back champs. Fighting history is something they don't need to fight, too. And, to the idea the Leafs are the home team with a full crowd... Leafs had a chance to beat Boston in a Game 6 and lost 4-2 in a close game and went on to look abysmal in Game 7 at Boston. They earned their home ice and Game 7 at home this year. Perhaps, that is what they've always needed to breakthrough? Montreal, last year, is not the same as the building wasn't full of rabid fans and those fans have played a role in this series. I wish I could see what shakes out in this Saturday night (very) special. Should Toronto lose, it will feel normal to me. If they win, I don't think I'll know what to feel or how to react. Numb either way, I suppose.

One of the things to watch for is if the officials choose to officiate this one differently than the previous six. Wouldn't surprise me if they put the whistles away for this one which will confuse both teams and benefit the Leafs.

Leafs nation very upset about the officiating, but they always are. Everyone knows the NHL is one of the most poorly officiated leagues there's ever been. Someday, full-replay review needs to be utilized to make this sport more legitimate. Usually, I'm not one to go on about missed calls, but when you're doling out 5-on-3's in critical moments and you don't call something like this? Leafs feel like they got jobbed, and it's hard to disagree with them. The Matthews non-comments on officiating were something. He's not happy and shouldn't be. Usually, this team just feels like it's going to lose. You can smell it all over them. This time feels different. It guarantees nothing, but when Matthews says THIS, things are definitely different: This team has NEVER put its "balls on the line". It's been a shrinking violet in every single series final game it has ever been in. The talk is different. Will their walk be? I think the boys are going to play their hearts out. Of that I have little concern. Jack Campbell admittedly gave up the "worst goal of his career" vs. Montreal in Game 7 last year. The team has demons, but Jack's are bigger. We'll know right away if he's a help or hindrance. He can't give up a softy in the beginning of the game. Sadly, I have watched every single game this season and can't watch Game 7. Very upsetting they couldn't get it done last night. Will look forward to reading the comments here when I get home. Should be a hoot.

If the Leafs lose this series (a good bet), Alex Kerfoot will be the GOAT and not the good kind. His name will be up there like a Bill Buckner in Boston. I wish I could not be a sky is falling fan, but when your team NEVER wins a playoff series and yours has won back-to-back Cups it's not exactly apples to apples.

When you have the champs on the ropes, you gotta knock'em out...or you're going to get knocked out. No lessons learned by the Leafs. Tampa about to give them the master class on Saturday. Matthews so, so, so close to ending this and is often the case, the team that almost scores gives up a goal right after. Have seen that so many times. First time in my life I paced around the entire OT. Finally on the couch in stunned near disbeLEAF. Why must this ALWAYS happen?

The Sportsnet guys showed that one multiple times. Looks like it *may* have gone off Campbell's stick. Hard to tell, but that was GAME OVER and back in Toronto. What a moment. He may redeem himself. Or, Kerfoot might. More likely one of Matthews, Kucherov, Stamkos, Marner, Nylander, Hedman will win this one. Nylander is good in these situations. Guy is a hot/cold kind of guy but in moments like this he seems to really elevate. Good Will for the Leafs nation thrill, or Kucherov for the parade is off in Toronto.