3 Palmateers

YMMV, but he looks very upset he got stuck with a check. Guy just got handed a GIANT extension. 

For sure not a nice thing to do to someone, but when you've got MILLIONS, it should be no big deal. I guess it's all perspective. 

First time I think I saw him without his falsies in, too. 

Not a fan of the term. Money is fine given the Leafs cap. 

A decent plug for the bottom 6 with the loss of Kase and Mikheyev. 

To me, it doesn't matter why he did it. I'm glad that he did.

As a hockey fan, this was about as big of a rope a dope that there could ever be. It now opens the door to believing anything can happen with any player. That mystery and possibility is GREAT for the game. 

On the other hand, I don't like when star players leave teams. Of course, they have every right to do it, I just think that is bad for fans of one particular market. To be a Flames fan right now? You're watching your team fall apart before your eyes. Tkachuk may be next, and then you're left with nothing but the natural aesthetics of your city. 

This very well could happen to me as a member of Leafs nation. Auston Matthews may go to Arizona or Los Angeles. I think that's great for the game, but terrible for Leafs fans. 

Finally, I think it's nice when a guy doesn't make $$$$$$ the overriding factor on where he plays. More of that, please. 

I saw this tweet and thought of the passionate Flyers fans on hockeyforums.net.   I feel you guys.  Yesterday was not a good one for the Leafs, or the Fly guys. 

You will know, when you know. It is unmistakable...just wait for it...  

On 7/12/2022 at 10:16 AM, Math said:

Let's wait a bit for the Leafs fans to get out of the rage room, and maybe they will come and give their insights later on.

I was going to come here and vent a bit about the dreadful day Kyle Dubas had. I wasn't even planning on addressing Matt Murray.

But, then, I saw the Flyers talk and thought...man, the Leafs could be the Flyers and I still didn't feel better, but it gave me perspective.

Watching the Canes get Pacioretty, Burns and Kase while Toronto added Aube-Kubel, Gaudette and Malgin? Canes were already better. 

The Leafs got worse today. The projected opening night roster is DREADFUL.

The Murray deal is mostly upsetting for the cost for a cap-strapped team like Toronto.  When I read the rumors, I thought 50% retention by Ottawa was a given. When I saw it was just 25%, I was STUNNED. 

When it comes to the actual possible production, I wasn't all that upset. Jack Campbell was the nicest guy in the world, but also a head case that made him a giant question mark every single game. Yes, he could be hot enough to be an All-Star, but he was also at Petr Mrazek levels last year, too. 

So, now we have TWO new goalies with the erraticism to be as good as good Jack Campbell and bad Petr Mrazek. I just do not and will never understand paying Murray 4.7 when you moved your first for a second to dump Mrazek's 3.8. I would've bet the universe the Leafs were not paying more than 3.8 and then they add Murray for almost a million more? What? Matt Murray? I would've preferred Murray Bannerman. 

I guess the logic, beyond he has Soo connections which Kyle Dubas cannot and will not resist, is that he has won a playoff round before and a couple of Cups.  Not something you can say of Jack Campbell. 

Much more excited about Samsonov at 1.8.  I doubt he's any better than Murray but at least he's a motivated 1.8 guy who is playing for his next contract. I guess that didn't go so well in Washington, so I should temper expectations.

Overall, just a depressing day to be a Leafs fan. Felt like another loss in a Game 7. Sens and Wings on the come. Carolina getting much better.  As GM, Kyle Dubas needed to do ONE thing. Just ONE to make Leafs fans feel like it might be different. He did do that, today. Unfortunately, he seeded the idea that making the playoffs is not a given and the Leafs are now further away from the Cup than before this day started.  Losing Ilya Mikheyev is a big blow. Losing Ilya Lyubushkin hurts, too. Two Ilya's out. One Ilya in...meanwhile, I just feel ill all around. 

On 6/30/2022 at 1:38 PM, OccamsRazor said:

 

Can you say back to the KHL?

I can for Josh Ho-Sang.  All that hype...now, with UFA in KHL.  

Dubas never seemed anywhere near as high on Ho-Sang as part of Leafs nation. 

You always want to believe. Sorry, to see that one didn't work out. 

Love the Cobra, but it looks he's getting a new basked to be charmed from. Not a playoff performer, unfortunately. 

That's a STEAL for a guy like Fiala. As a Leafs fan, I've seen a 1st go for Foligno and he gave us 6 games and no goals.

I've seen a 1st go to Carolina that turned into Seth Jarvis to bury the Marleau deal.

Can't imagine trading a first and a prospect and walking away with a goal-scorer like Fiala. 

My best friend was just told of this trade by me. "Nooo" was his response.  He's been a Wild season tix holder up until pandemic. 

I remember the McDonough talking about 1942 thing and Game 2 being the 2nd biggest Stanley Cup Finals margin, ever. I laughed because I was there for the biggest. The Game 6 trouncing of Jon Casey and the North Stars 8-0 at the hands of Super Mario and the Pens in 1991. 

The Palat thickens in this series, now. To me, it felt like Brady had the ball for Tampa down by 3 (wins) and the Avs had scored too soon.

Now, it feels like Tampa has crossed the proverbial 50 and not far from GW FG range.

Colorado's will to compete is going to be heavily challenged in Game 6. Avs had lost only 3 games in the playoffs before tonight. They would have to equal that many in a row to lose the Cup. I do not believe the Avs are anywhere near as mentally tough as Tampa. I guess we'll see in Game 6. Been wrong a lot this SC playoffs. 

It feels like the tide has turned. Corey Perry with the big penalty notice. Thank God he noticed. Imagine if the Avs got another one with too many men. Cooper's head would've exploded. Really does feel that Tampa has Colorado right where they want them now. 

Curious to see if there is any carry over from Makar's in-game injury. Sometimes guys are worse after letting something rest opposed to playing on adrenaline through them. 

Will Point make it back for Game 6. Burakovsky? 

Lots of intrigue for this Game 6. Feels like a Game 7 to me, and if Tampa wins we get two of 'em. 

What a tight series. Two OT games, two blowouts, and a late goal in the 3rd for a narrow decision. 

Pre-celly-Cirelli...

If only Kyle Dubas had prioritized goaltending...

Man, I couldn't have been more wrong on the Bolts. I thought there was no way they'd win one back at Amalie and they won them both. 

Rangers gonna rue the day they blew that 2-goal lead and 2 game series lead. They looked beaten in Game 4 from what I saw and I didn't see a lot of that one but the body language was really bad. No fight in them and dejected.

Absolutely stunning that I now wonder if the Rangers will win another game. 

An Avs/Bolts final would be fantastic. A Rangers/Avs would be good, too, but I think I want to see Tampa go for 3. 

Who would you rather be in a pivotal Game 5? Tampa. The reeling Rangers better hope MSG is some kind of 7th man for them Thursday night. 

3 minutes ago, TropicalFruitGirl26 said:

Obviously I don't know the behind the scenes stuff, but this firing seems sorta....unfair to me.

I thought the Bruins had a pretty good season, even though being bounced in the first round was disappointing, when you consider some had the Bruins missing the playoffs entirely, I'd say Cassidy did well with the boys in Boston.
And he did it in a very tough Atlantic Division that featured the eventual President's trophy winning Florida team, a high powered Toronto team, the two time defending Stanley Cup Champions, AND even the bottom half teams, Detroit, Buffalo, and Ottawa were far from pushovers, compared to other divisions' bottom teams.

I thought the B's defense as a solid two way unit wasn't bad and getting better under the apparent leadership of Charlie McAvoy who seems to have picked up the baton where Chara left off on it.
Their one big weakness was still that they were basically a one scoring line team.

The front office may have dropped the ball not trading malcontent (but still talented) Jake DeBrusk....and they didn't really do anything to add to a second line that was mostly lackluster unless the big line was split up to help bolster it.

Boston's bottom six left much to be desired.
Goaltending ranged from ok to good most nights.

Again, maybe some other things going on us fans aren't aware of, but I think Bruce Cassidy got the most of what he could with what he had on the roster and from where I sit, seems it was more on the front office to provide Cassidy with more and better tools.

Then again, after 6 seasons...maybe the organization felt a different voice was needed?
Meh...still sounds like political speak for "scapegoat".

Look at me...defending a BRUINS head coach!
This after praising Patrice Bergeron on his win of the Selke.

I need to have my head examined.  

You are wise to bring up what we don't know as being the reason for being let go. 

He could have personal issues (sexual, drug, etc.). May have gotten into with a star player and org is siding with the player. 

One of the things that is unfair with him is Rask is now gone. Give Cooper Swayman and Ullmark and let's see if his team is even in the conference finals. I'll bet they don't get past Toronto. Not Bruce's fault Rask retired, unretired, and wasn't close to what he used to be. Goalies hide a lot of warts. 

Also, Sweeney may have his sights set on one of the guys out there like Trotz or Torts or whomever. 

Personally, I thought Cassidy was a tough SOB. The kind of guy you need to navigate through an arduous Atlantic and he fit the profile of the image of the city. 

If Boston goes out and hires a relative unknown, this will be one baffling decision minus some personal issues we aren't privy to. 

Half their stars will be injured at the start of the next season. It was going to be a tough row to hoe for anyone. Maybe, Sweeney knew next season was likely a wash and felt this was the time as voices no matter how smart and strong do fade with players over time. 

What an offseason ahead for Bruins fans and curious onlookers. 

Amazing the number of great HCs out of work right now. Good time to fire and hire that's for sure. 

Cassidy gets his team to a Cup a couple of years ago and is out. 

Toronto can't win a series to save their lives and there are great coaches to be had but we'll stick with the one who has lost 3-straight 1st playoff series with two against inferior teams, and maybe all 3 if you count finishing ahead of Tampa in regular season.

Admire a team that doesn't accept not winning it all. Sadly, I'm stuck as a fan of one that accepts not winning a round. 

I wonder how quickly Cassidy finds a new home with Trotz, Torts, etc. out there waiting for a new gig?

Here's comes the rebuild in Beantown. 

I hate everything NY, but man I feel for them. It would've been better not to be up 2-0 in the game than to lose it in that manner. A blow out would've been less destructive mentally.

Now, the champs are back so to speak. Now, the young Rangers mental health is challenged. Will they wilt now that they blew a 2-0 game and series lead when they had it in their hands to be up 3-0. 

This one worked out quite well for Tampa. Only overcoming a larger deficit and later in the game would've been more disheartening for the boys from NYC.

Rangers better take Game 4. Another loss and the old grizzled boxing champion may just knock them out after taking a standing 8. 

At least we get one series in the Conference finals. 

Without Point I'm not surprised this series is where it is. When the Leafs played the Rangers this season, I thought NY was better than they were. Leafs were close but thought if somehow Toronto ended up playing them they wouldn't be able to handle them.

Tampa eeked by Toronto and, now, minus one of their best playoff performers, they don't have enough. Rangers are hungrier than a satiated Stanley Cup served x2 Lightning squad.

Lightning don't seem to have much mystique at home. Toronto played well there in 2-of-the-3 games at Amalie. 

Not sure if Rangers will pull Game 3 but I'll bet they're headed back to MSG with a chance to close it out. 

Tampa without Point isn't that intimidating unless you're the other Florida hockey team.

Pretty remarkable hearing during the broadcast that the Rangers had more goals on Vasilevskiy halfway through the 2nd, than the Panthers did the entire series. 

We saw this start vs. Toronto. Tampa rocked 5-0...but they had Brayden Point. They don't this time around. 

Feeling tremors in the force and feeling the Rangers in the Finals just like the NHL would want. 

I saw "Giroux" trending on Twitter, and I thought...Oh, yeah. Forgot about him. That move didn't work out as planned. 

Thinking about the NHL commercial with his face: He just wants one.  

Laughed at the Giroux thing. Us Leafs fans just want one series win. 

Claude should've picked Colorado. 

3 minutes ago, Otter said:

I haven't watched the Toronto games exclusively this past season, but I also imagine they had injuries come into play during the season and some of those injuries were probably on the defense. That can also affect the other dmen TOI. Like I said, I don't know where the injuries fell during the season but I can guarantee you the Leafs had them. 

 

As for next season we can sit here and speculate as to say how many minutes he will skate per game or what line he will play. That will not be determined by us in the end and will be a decision that comes down to the coaches that know a hell of a lot more than we know about these players as they see them practice every single day. 

With the Leafs you just never know. Thornton was up with Matthews and Marner when he was here. Simmonds has been on PP1. 

Heck, they moved Rielly off PP1 for Gio in the playoffs. 

The Leafs are in a perpetual training camp situation. It does not matter if it's Game 7 or the middle of a season. Always experimenting. Always tinkering. 

I like that early in a season, but it's endless. 

Gio will likely play on all pairs next season. 

Just a quick comment on Rielly. He's just horrendous defensively. Very very low on his game and potential to improve there. He's nice offensively. Not special but a very good player in that regard. Sandin has some real potential offensively as does Liljegren. Sandin has the want to and great attitude for hitting and defensive play. His body is just not there yet. Liljegren is inconsistent like most young Dmen.

Overall, the D corps is pretty depressing and that's punctuated by Gio looking so good there because the rest are so bad. 

Leafs will remain top-heavy with suspect D and goaltending. Another likely 1st round out. Better be careful as teams like Detroit build toward respectability. Montreal will reload and Ottawa has some nice pieces. 

Gio was a 3rd pairing guy almost exclusively in Toronto and in the playoffs. 

He saw only 20 minutes, or more, ATOI in 5-of-20 regular season games. 

Logged 20, or more, in only the OT game. 

The thing with him is that most of Toronto's D corps look so bad, defensively, that Gio looks like a potential Norris candidate in comparison.

Speaking to defensive capabilities:

Rielly is atrocious.

Muzzin was a shell of himself. 

Lyubushkin was physical which nobody else was not even a hurt Muzzin

Brodie was solid

Holl just brutal

Liljegren lots of promise but nowhere near ready

Sandin weak as they come and not ready for a steady role on D

Gio knows what the heck he's doing and isn't afraid out there

Overall, just solely on defensive play, he was probably our 1st or 2nd best defensive Dman. 

He's at the end, though. I don't think there's all that much left for him and found the fawning over him a bit much. I was impressed, initially, because you did notice it right away. He knows what to do and doesn't look jittery. He's lost a step. Looked foolish a few times that nobody really ever commented on because he was built into this incredible stretch piece and pedestalized.

It could be worse. I just wish they'd commit to a Liljegren and get him stronger and Sandin, too. These guys at the ends of careers really are just hanging on hoping for one last shot at glory that just never comes in Toronto. 

48 minutes ago, FireDillabaugh said:

This is the issue.  Signing him for league minimum is not a reason to jump off the wagon about.  As mentioned, it's not like he's Risto.

However, it's how he's being utilized that needs to be questioned.  Given 20 mins ATOI in the playoffs and 19 ATOI during the regular season.  If that's what they believe Gio is, then maybe they ARE the PERFECT fools to make a Risto trade with Chuck-in-charge...

The money is great. I love it. It's that they NEED to do this that is the issue. 

For me, the issue is signing guys at the ends of careers who are from there who think they can be passengers for a special Cup run back home. 

Everyone loves that story line. A guy from somewhere that goes home to play with his childhood team and looks to win a Cup as he dreamed of as a kid. 

It's just tired for me as a Leafs fan. He's at the end of the line career-wise and wants what Toronto offers. A cushy culture hoping to catch lightning in a bottle and win a Cup. 

We'll take Provorov straight up. You retain 50%. 

EDIT: We have fans thinking Gio belongs on the top pairing. Sadly, our GM thinks like a fan and may actually do something like that. Heck, they had Ilya Lyubushkin there. 

1 hour ago, flyercanuck said:

 

So, you wanna trade him for Ristolainen?

No, I want Chara out of retirement. Let's get even older on the backend. 

Friedman reported that Gio was offered closer to 1M and he suggested only taking 800K to help the team's cap. 

Gio in a vacuum is fine. This is a recurring pattern from the Leafs given their circumstances. I'd rather see more Liljegren and Sandin, personally. 

BTW, @flyercanuckYou LOVE Ristolainen. I'd take him. Heck, I'd settle for Reijo Ruotsalainen. He wants a cup pretty badly but not a native so maybe not as cool for him. He's 5'8 and only 62. Dubas will love him.