It apparently wasn’t meant to be. Despite their best efforts, the Toronto Maple Leafs could not help Auston Matthews reach the 70-goal milestone that he was chasing to end the season. Mike DiStefano and David Morassutti give their thoughts on Matthews not being able to get to 70 goals and whether this gives him and the team some renewed focus heading into the playoffs. Mike and Dave dive deep into some of the issues from the game and what Sheldon Keefe needs to start focusing on in his game plan. To end the show, Mike asks Dave about some trends down the stretch and wonders where his level of concern is about each going into the playoffs.
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18 Comments
I think leafs are an early exit
God hates the leafs
Don't worry. 4 or 5 games and this is all over.
I was content with 69. But the way Matthews was handled in the past two games set him up for this disappointment and exposed him to Leafs not prioritizing playoffs and his complete development as a true scoring leader. Why?
It is difficult & new supporting Leafs these playoffs. Auston needs to be coached and developed to generate more assists. He doesnāt look like he is trying to get 100 assists himself. It would greatly help Leafs and his Hart Trophy chances if Auston completes his game more than just being a sniper.
Why did JT bother scoring when they still had a chance and the sole purpose at that time was to set up Austonās 70? Now Leaf playoff supporters are feeling down going into the playoffs and anxious to face Leaf Core 4 playoff demons since 1967 again.
If the Leafs had played to win, instead of playing to get Matthews 70, he would have gotten 70.
Bad defensive play. Yes because everyone is focused on getting the puck to Matthews instead of playing responsibly. On its own, not that big a deal. Combined with all the other signs that show a complete lack of discipline and it is very concerning going up against one of the most disciplined best coached teams in the League. The Leafs really missed the boat when they didn't jump at the chance to get Cassidy when he was available.
Defense is a team game. Keefe doesn't demand that his forwards be responsible defensively, so they only defend if they feel like it. It is clear this won't change as long as Keefe is coach. Worry on one to ten. Nine. Teams need to be able to win 1-0 or 2-1 games in the playoffs. If the Leafs are gonna need 5+ goals to win, they will be lucky to play 7 games.
PK. The PK is as good as Marner and he is clearly still injured. Worry on one to ten. Eight. If Marner can step it up for the playoffs, five.
PP. The PP can be bad if the PK is great. If the PK is bad the PP must be great. Hopefully the PP goes back to everyone being allowed to score and not everything goes to Matthews. One of the problems the Leafs have had in the playoffs is players pass up goals to give Matthews a chance to score. Cough cough Marner cough cough. The puck needs to go to the person with the best chance of scoring, If that is the guy with the puck he needs to shoot.
Nylander. He scores in bunches and he is due. I'm more concerned about his terrible defensive play than the lack of offense. Two.
Playoffs haven't even started yet and Leafs' big guns have already stopped scoring…
Until they wash the management and wash un needed players and put together a very good defensive and offensive team little more on defence, I think, and get a goalie they are going to be the same as they are. Right now they need to prove to the fans that they care enough for us to spend and watch this team . Things changed a little in the last few years but not enough.
If domi was there he would have got his target.
We should be happy because we get to watch 4 more games than the Habs fans do .
Should have Gone not should have went…..
Klingberg should be ready to start playoffs, let's show Vegas we can do it too.
His parents didn't even care the team was getting hammered.
Didn't get 70 goals and will be out on the golfing within a week!
Like your sober updates and take on all things Leafs.
Stats are fine and sometimes misleading , the playoffs are a new fresh start. Go LEAFS Go
No team fears playing the Leafs. Maybe next year eh!
Doubt any team wants to meet Boston after their playoff loss last year. Many forget Jari Kurri sniped 70+ goals one season
Please tell me he meant castigatingš®