Game 14 - Bruins @ Leafs - Saturday November 5th, 2011 - 19:00 EST - 7-0 L

[hockeyfan1]

?That?s the second time that?s happened to us this year from this team. I don?t know what it is about them but we didn?t compete right from the opening puck drop,? Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul said. ?It was a pretty big game for us ? the Stanley Cup champs coming in and they (beat us) every which way.?

Toronto was unable to mask some of the bad habits Leafs coach Ron Wilson saw in Thursday?s 4-1 win over Columbus.

?The way we were playing in the second and third period against Columbus is an indication of a team that?s going to let things get out of hand at some point,? Wilson said. ?We were lucky in that game to have been up 4-0.

?It?s actually probably better for us to go through a game like this right now so that we can focus. If it had been 2-1 or 3-2 or 1-0 it would be ?Oh we were just a shot away,? but we weren?t anything close to that tonight.?

Scrivens was replaced by Jonas Gustavsson after the fifth Boston goal and apologized to his teammates on the way to the bench.

?I said ?I?ve got to be better for you guys,?? Scrivens said. ?At the end of the day, things are going to happen. It?s my job to try to bail my team out and I don?t think I did a great job of that tonight.?

Gustavsson finished with four saves and was jeered by the crowd in the third period after the seventh Boston goal.

In other words, it was a miserable night had by all.  :-\

 

[DK2]

Doesn?t make sense, almost half of Boston?s wins so far are against the Leafs
and total floor wipes at that.
:-[

 

[ZBBM]

Doesn?t make sense, almost half of Boston?s wins so far are against the Leafs
and total floor wipes at that.
:-[

It does, actually.  Does anyone think Boston is as bad as their record has been and we are as good?

The Leafs are not a house of cards -- don't get me wrong.  We did not go into a nosedive after we lost our top goaltender.  That is impressive.  The forwards are playing pretty well on offense, much better than I expected, for one.  That is impressive.

But the systemic problems with the defense are not getting better and unless they do we will come back to earth and struggle to make the playoffs -- again.

 

[azzurri63]

Doesn?t make sense, almost half of Boston?s wins so far are against the Leafs
and total floor wipes at that.
:-[

It does, actually.  Does anyone think Boston is as bad as their record has been and we are as good?

The Leafs are not a house of cards -- don't get me wrong.  We did not go into a nosedive after we lost our top goaltender.  That is impressive.  The forwards are playing pretty well on offense, much better than I expected, for one.  That is impressive.

But the systemic problems with the defense are not getting better and unless they do we will come back to earth and struggle to make the playoffs -- again.

McFate bang on. You and I see things exactly alike for the most part. Team is on the right track but major flaws to address only problem is the flaws are the same year after year. Don't know what to say. We have wanted Wilson gone and I still don't care for him brought in some new players and coaches and no change so now what? I don't have the answer.

 

[Mack674]

Wilsons comments are bang on.

Better to lose in dramatic fashion than lose 2-1 or something. This should be a wake up call that you can't just start taking it easy, Leafs "were lucky in Columbus" which I think is true, and were letting them back into the game at the end.

If they had lost by one one goal it would be too easy to just go onto the next game status quo.

This demands that extra work and focus be applied to erase this horrible game from everyones memory.

Now if they were to lose several games like this in a short span, I would be concerned. It wasn't quite as bad as the score indicated though, it was 1-0 for the first period and two bruins goals happened pretty quick and it was clear the Leafs were pretty demoralized after that. That's no excuse, but they were pretty close to giving up on the game at that point and definitely did when it became 4-0.

They just couldn't get anything going all night. Nobody could make any passes, everybody was out of position and the Bruins were everywhere.

I expect a very strong effort next game, or there will be fire and brimstone.

 

[Mack674]

Doesn?t make sense, almost half of Boston?s wins so far are against the Leafs
and total floor wipes at that.
:-[

It does, actually.  Does anyone think Boston is as bad as their record has been and we are as good?

The Leafs are not a house of cards -- don't get me wrong.  We did not go into a nosedive after we lost our top goaltender.  That is impressive.  The forwards are playing pretty well on offense, much better than I expected, for one.  That is impressive.

But the systemic problems with the defense are not getting better and unless they do we will come back to earth and struggle to make the playoffs -- again.

McFate bang on. You and I see things exactly alike for the most part. Team is on the right track but major flaws to address only problem is the flaws are the same year after year. Don't know what to say. We have wanted Wilson gone and I still don't care for him brought in some new players and coaches and no change so now what? I don't have the answer.

Who else is available that is as good or better than Wilson right now?

Im not agreeing or disagreeing here... but in my opinion I don't really think Wilson is that bad. The team he came here to coach was absolutely miserable. The guys he has now should definitely make the playoffs, but that remains to be seen.

His record speaks for itself, you can't just get lucky and win all those games (and internationally) as a coach by chance over a long career. He's not Scotty Bowman but I think the Leafs can get it done with him behind the bench.

Why the special teams continue to suck and defensive coverage is still miserable year after year, I have no answer to. You would think the signs point to Wilson though, after all players replaced and coaching staff while Wilson remains the only constant factor... I don't know.

 

[moon111]

Today feels like a day after hard drinking and you're just starting to put the pieces together from last night.  And you don't feel particularly proud of yourself.

 

[hockeyfan1]

Team is on the right track but major flaws to address
only problem is the flaws are the same year after year.
Don't know what to say. We have wanted Wilson gone and I still don't care for him brought in some new
players and coaches and no change so now what? I don't
have the answer.

Why the special teams continue to suck and defensive coverage is still miserable year after year, I have no
answer to. You would think the signs point to Wilson
though, after all players replaced and coaching staff
while Wilson remains the only constant factor... I don't
know.

I call it the Leaf disease... all pervasive with no known cure!

 

[azzurri63]

Doesn?t make sense, almost half of Boston?s wins so far are against the Leafs
and total floor wipes at that.
:-[

It does, actually.  Does anyone think Boston is as bad as their record has been and we are as good?

The Leafs are not a house of cards -- don't get me wrong.  We did not go into a nosedive after we lost our top goaltender.  That is impressive.  The forwards are playing pretty well on offense, much better than I expected, for one.  That is impressive.

But the systemic problems with the defense are not getting better and unless they do we will come back to earth and struggle to make the playoffs -- again.

McFate bang on. You and I see things exactly alike for the most part. Team is on the right track but major flaws to address only problem is the flaws are the same year after year. Don't know what to say. We have wanted Wilson gone and I still don't care for him brought in some new players and coaches and no change so now what? I don't have the answer.

Who else is available that is as good or better than Wilson right now?

Im not agreeing or disagreeing here... but in my opinion I don't really think Wilson is that bad. The team he came here to coach was absolutely miserable. The guys he has now should definitely make the playoffs, but that remains to be seen.

His record speaks for itself, you can't just get lucky and win all those games (and internationally) as a coach by chance over a long career. He's not Scotty Bowman but I think the Leafs can get it done with him behind the bench.

Why the special teams continue to suck and defensive coverage is still miserable year after year, I have no answer to. You would think the signs point to Wilson though, after all players replaced and coaching staff while Wilson remains the only constant factor... I don't know.

Mack not sure if you agree with me or not. The only thing I have mentioned on here and some tired of hearing it is the same problems plague us every season as many have stated but what gets me is they don't seem to change ther strategy. Do you see anything different on the PP and PK other than personnel? I don't. Has the defensive side of our game changed in the last 3 years? No. It's status quo whether we win or lose. Personally I think the problem is the relationship betwen Burke and Wilson. They are too good of friends and theres loyalty there which I feel is the only reason Wilson is still in TO. Burke should have more of a say with how the team is playing other than changing players, trades etc. He sits up in that press box and sees exactly what we see and more. He has publicly said he doesn't interfere with any coaching decisions which I can understand but he must get frustrated at our PP,PK and sloppy D year after year. He needs to step in. Goaltending is not our problem and sure they have bad games and let in some soft goals but opposition teams get way too many GOOD scoring chances night after night. The relationship between the two is hurting us I feel and something needs to give.

 

[Redleaf]

Today feels like a day after hard drinking and you're just starting to put the pieces together from last night.  And you don't feel particularly proud of yourself.

Man you're good. Everything you said is true. Where'd I put my cell phone?

 

[Mack674]

Doesn?t make sense, almost half of Boston?s wins so far are against the Leafs
and total floor wipes at that.
:-[

It does, actually.  Does anyone think Boston is as bad as their record has been and we are as good?

The Leafs are not a house of cards -- don't get me wrong.  We did not go into a nosedive after we lost our top goaltender.  That is impressive.  The forwards are playing pretty well on offense, much better than I expected, for one.  That is impressive.

But the systemic problems with the defense are not getting better and unless they do we will come back to earth and struggle to make the playoffs -- again.

McFate bang on. You and I see things exactly alike for the most part. Team is on the right track but major flaws to address only problem is the flaws are the same year after year. Don't know what to say. We have wanted Wilson gone and I still don't care for him brought in some new players and coaches and no change so now what? I don't have the answer.

Who else is available that is as good or better than Wilson right now?

Im not agreeing or disagreeing here... but in my opinion I don't really think Wilson is that bad. The team he came here to coach was absolutely miserable. The guys he has now should definitely make the playoffs, but that remains to be seen.

His record speaks for itself, you can't just get lucky and win all those games (and internationally) as a coach by chance over a long career. He's not Scotty Bowman but I think the Leafs can get it done with him behind the bench.

Why the special teams continue to suck and defensive coverage is still miserable year after year, I have no answer to. You would think the signs point to Wilson though, after all players replaced and coaching staff while Wilson remains the only constant factor... I don't know.

Mack not sure if you agree with me or not. The only thing I have mentioned on here and some tired of hearing it is the same problems plague us every season as many have stated but what gets me is they don't seem to change ther strategy. Do you see anything different on the PP and PK other than personnel? I don't. Has the defensive side of our game changed in the last 3 years? No. It's status quo whether we win or lose. Personally I think the problem is the relationship betwen Burke and Wilson. They are too good of friends and theres loyalty there which I feel is the only reason Wilson is still in TO. Burke should have more of a say with how the team is playing other than changing players, trades etc. He sits up in that press box and sees exactly what we see and more. He has publicly said he doesn't interfere with any coaching decisions which I can understand but he must get frustrated at our PP,PK and sloppy D year after year. He needs to step in. Goaltending is not our problem and sure they have bad games and let in some soft goals but opposition teams get way too many GOOD scoring chances night after night. The relationship between the two is hurting us I feel and something needs to give.

Had the Leafs started the year badly and again were near or at the bottom by November then I would fully support turfing Wilson but regardless of the problems they continue to have, they're still on top. One bad, really bad game doesn't justify a coaching change just yet.

They have gotten progressively better each year. If they finish the year outisde the playoffs again I dont think theres any doubt that Wilson has to go, not based on a terrible performance but just because the status quo simply isn't working.

They could bounce back and win the next 6 games in a row, then what ?

In my opinion its too early to tell if either this team just had a bad night and is starting to get their act together and play well enough to compete , or if this is again just another case of the team record making it look alot better than it really is and theyll be on the outside looking in come March and Wilson just can't get it done.

I can't really support a coaching change when theyre statistically one of the top teams in the league right now, but it's pretty early yet to see if they stay there.

 

[4th Liner]

Doesn?t make sense, almost half of Boston?s wins so far are against the Leafs
and total floor wipes at that.
:-[

I think it actually makes sense - the Bruins are exactly the kind of team we match up poorly against. A trapping, stifling defensive team. Unfortunately those are the teams that usually go deep into the playoffs.

Until we become able to grind out wins against teams like Boston, we will continue to be a second-tier team.

The funny thing is, I think this team is capable of doing just that. I think we have 4 decent lines and could roll them on most teams. The problem, as I see it, is the defense. I'm not sure they can handle sitting back and grinding it out like that.

Compounding the issue is that it appears that the coaching staff is pushing the d-men to be more aggressive offensively. That plays right into the hands of good defensive and counter-attacking teams (like Boston).

Being able to shift gears to match / confound an opponent is an important part of having a good team. I'm not sure this team is capable of it yet.

 

[iwas11in67]

Was in Buffalo yesterday shopping so i missed the game - I'm kinda glad I did miss it.

 

[azzurri63]

Doesn?t make sense, almost half of Boston?s wins so far are against the Leafs
and total floor wipes at that.
:-[

I think it actually makes sense - the Bruins are exactly the kind of team we match up poorly against. A trapping, stifling defensive team. Unfortunately those are the teams that usually go deep into the playoffs.

Until we become able to grind out wins against teams like Boston, we will continue to be a second-tier team.

The funny thing is, I think this team is capable of doing just that. I think we have 4 decent lines and could roll them on most teams. The problem, as I see it, is the defense. I'm not sure they can handle sitting back and grinding it out like that.

Compounding the issue is that it appears that the coaching staff is pushing the d-men to be more aggressive offensively. That plays right into the hands of good defensive and counter-attacking teams (like Boston).

Being able to shift gears to match / confound an opponent is an important part of having a good team. I'm not sure this team is capable of it yet.

I totally agree. Do you ever see our team actually defend a lead. Their game doesn't really change not only night to night but period to period. You hit it bang on about the good defensive teams are usually the ones that go deep come playoff time. Sure teams can win on firepower but we don't have that, even though our goals for are good but that will dry up during the season. The team needs to adjust and win those 2-1 1-0 games and you're right I don't think they are there yet and maybe not capable. Do you ever see this team sit back when they are up a goal or two late in a game. Doesn't seem like they do. Do us fans ever feel confortable when we are up late in a game? I know I don't because they don't play to protect a lead.

 

[Zee]

Doesn’t make sense, almost half of Boston’s wins so far are against the Leafs
and total floor wipes at that.
:-[

I think it actually makes sense - the Bruins are exactly the kind of team we match up poorly against. A trapping, stifling defensive team. Unfortunately those are the teams that usually go deep into the playoffs.

Until we become able to grind out wins against teams like Boston, we will continue to be a second-tier team.

The funny thing is, I think this team is capable of doing just that. I think we have 4 decent lines and could roll them on most teams. The problem, as I see it, is the defense. I'm not sure they can handle sitting back and grinding it out like that.

Compounding the issue is that it appears that the coaching staff is pushing the d-men to be more aggressive offensively. That plays right into the hands of good defensive and counter-attacking teams (like Boston).

Being able to shift gears to match / confound an opponent is an important part of having a good team. I'm not sure this team is capable of it yet.

I think it's more of a mental block/confidence issue against the Bruins at this point. Also both times we've played the Bruins the Leafs team were tired while the Bruins were rested.

I recall years ago how the Leafs were dominated during the season series by a stifling defensive team (the Sens) and yet in the playoffs we manhandled them. So I'm not worried, yet.

 

[azzurri63]

The record against the Bruins I think people make too much about it. Last season we were 4-2 against them and most good games. kessel's play against his former team is more of a concern. It looked like towards the end of the year he started to put up some points against them which made me believe maybe he was over his troubles against them but looks like he isn't over that hurdle yet. The game last night was just a no show by most of the team if not all and although I was disgusted with the effort it is only one loss. Wilson was right that the team wasn't exploited in previous games as we have been getting outplayed most nights. The one thing I read today that I don't agree with is Dion's comments when asked about the loss and if he addressed the team and I quote "There was nothing to say. We're at where we are in the standings for a reason. But we have to learn from this game and move forward". Almost sounds like Dion thinks we have been dominating teams and outplaying everyone which hasn't been the case.
.

 

[L K]

Wilsons comments are bang on.

I completely agree, however I'm tired of Wilson saying it.  You would think the Leafs abysmal PP/PK stats would "put a fire under their butts" or "have the coach actually work on it until it shows signs of improvement".  Instead we watch the same ineffective plays over and over again.  The PK looks a little different from last year, but I'm watching the same struggles on the PP as the last two years.  Everyone stands still at the blue-line and then a dump-in that leads to a turn-over because noone has any speed to beat the defenders to the puck. 

How hard is it to devise a plan to get a few guys skating up the ice together so that you have speed AND numbers when attacking the zone.  Either start doing that when you enter the offensive zone, or stop insisting on every single play being a dumpin and let a guy carry the puck across the blue-line (hard to do seeing as the defenders are allowed to trap along the blue-line).

 

[azzurri63]

Wilsons comments are bang on.

I completely agree, however I'm tired of Wilson saying it.  You would think the Leafs abysmal PP/PK stats would "put a fire under their butts" or "have the coach actually work on it until it shows signs of improvement".  Instead we watch the same ineffective plays over and over again.  The PK looks a little different from last year, but I'm watching the same struggles on the PP as the last two years.  Everyone stands still at the blue-line and then a dump-in that leads to a turn-over because noone has any speed to beat the defenders to the puck. 

How hard is it to devise a plan to get a few guys skating up the ice together so that you have speed AND numbers when attacking the zone.  Either start doing that when you enter the offensive zone, or stop insisting on every single play being a dumpin and let a guy carry the puck across the blue-line (hard to do seeing as the defenders are allowed to trap along the blue-line).

Frustrating isn't it and more agonizing to watch.

 

[bustaheims]

Do us fans ever feel confortable when we are up late in a game? I know I don't because they don't play to protect a lead.

And yet, in 14 games this season, the Leafs have blown a 3rd period lead all of twice - once against Montreal and once against Pittsburgh. Both one goal leads and both times, they went on to win any ways. I'd say they're doing a pretty darn good job of protecting the lead late in the game, if you ask me.

 

[pnjunction]

The one thing I read today that I don't agree with is Dion's comments when asked about the loss and if he addressed the team and I quote "There was nothing to say. We're at where we are in the standings for a reason. But we have to learn from this game and move forward". Almost sounds like Dion thinks we have been dominating teams and outplaying everyone which hasn't been the case.

The whole interview with Dion didn't really sit well with me.  I know he is mostly just spouting crap and cliches to get through it but the two specific quotes are:

"we take the goods out of when we win and we learn from the bads when we lose"

"we made a lot of mistakes tonight that are uncharacteristic of our team"

Really so you don't try to learn from the bads when you win?  Well it showed, high on their easy wins they got stomped by a Bruins team that has competent goaltending and took advantage of weaknesses that have been there all along.

The mistakes weren't uncharacteristic.  We've been seeing them all year: awful PK, blown coverage in the neutral zone, inability to make clean passes and coordinate a rush under pressure.