I called it…. Game 4 is gonna be a game changer
Changing from hockey to golf
Golf isn't a game. It isn't even a sport. It's a hobby. It's fetch without the dog, but when it comes to the Leafs, even I have to agree with the premise of what you're saying.
The way they've played in every game but game 2 vs Tampa, they were lucky to get out of the first round, and being honest, but for that game 2 vs Tampa, they didn't really deserve to win any other game. They haven't been able to make tape to tape passes, especially against Florida more often than they have, when the D gets pressured in their own zone, especially if they get hit hard, they've coughed up the puck and left the goalie high and dry, and the "big 4" while they do have points, ummmm, where the hell have they been really? Said it last year, and the year before that, and the year before that..you get the idea...been saying it for a while......EVERY team KNOWS how to beat the Leafs......it's simple really IF they can execute........shut down Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Tavares.......pressure and bang the d in their own zone, they'll cough up the puck and hope the goalie bails their asses out......sometimes they have......sometimes, (more often than not) the zebra is diggin the puck outta the back of the Leafs net. They have the same mentality they have always had in recent years...WE CAN OUTSCORE THE OTHER TEAM.........not when that team KNOWS how to play good defensive hockey in their own zone, and more importantly knows how to do what I just said ALL other teams in the league have figured out.......... BUT......when the Leafs show up and play like they did in that game 2 vs Tampa, nobody is gonna beat them. They haven't figured that out yet apparently even though they did come out like that for game 2 of this series and yeah, they dominated the first 12 minutes of game 2 of this series, then one mistake, one d man hammered behind the net, zebra drops the puck at center ice........they weren't the same after that.
They played well tonight........well enough to win.........BUT.....they also played just well enough to lose..........they were very tentative to start OT....playing like they were afraid to make a mistake.........and then....a little pressure in their own zone...and...they made one on what was really a NOTHING play....that became a great play for Florida...........game over...........While I still think they
might win one game....and that's a very big
might.....I don't see them winning 4 straight........especially the way they've been playing and especially if Samsonov's injury is going to keep him out of the lineup. Woll is good.......but....Murray was cleared to play and was the emergency backup tonight.......bet they start him in the next game if Samsonov can't go.......not because Woll doesn't deserve to start.....but because the argument will be......Murray makes more $ and has more playoff experience being a 2 time cup winner with the Pens. (they forget he hasn't been the same goalie since that second cup win AND he gets hurt and has been put on injured reserve more than he hasn't in recent years, which is part of the reason the Pens let him go.)
BUT, as I say every year.......they're still the most consistent team in the league. The Toronto Maple Leafs disappoint their fan base consistently EVERY year.........and once they're done.....I can put more focus on going fishin since I won't have to worry about rushing home to catch the Leafs game......(generally, the Edmonton games start later so I don't worry about missing any of their games lol)