NHL Playoffs: Leafs giving Caps similar problems that the Penguins do
Are the Washington Capitals living up to their reputation of being playoff chokers?
Or are they just running into a bad matchup?
A week from now regarding the Capitals we’re either going to be talking about the Capitals getting pushed in Round 1 potentially being a positive for them moving forward or discussing a shocking Round 2 matchup between the Penguins and Leafs.
Whether the Leafs can finish the job remains to be seen but the Leafs were badly overlooked in this series, many predicted a sweep, just from the standpoint the Capitals are the President Trophy winners and Toronto’s best players are a bunch of kids.
Last post-season the Capitals struggled against a Penguins team built with skill and speed.
What does Toronto have?
The Leads are certainly not the Penguins but like Pittsburgh they have more speed than the Capitals and a lot of high-end skill.
This is a really good forward group with a ton of talent.
Auston Matthews and William Nylander on one line, a dynamic 1-2 center/winger punch that’s already one of the best in the league. Mitch Marner and James van Riemsdyk on another scoring line. The Kadri line can give you a little bit of everything and the Kasperi Kapanen addition on the 4th line late in the season has given Toronto a needed speed and skill dimension to what had been more of a grit line before Kapanen was given a full-time role.
The Hyman-Matthews-Nylander line is the top possession line among all 16 teams in the playoffs.
On the backend, Toronto has skill and puck movers who can join the offense and fuel the transition game.
When you breakdown the personnel this is not a great matchup for the Capitals at 5 v 5 and that’s kind of playing out so far through three games where the Leafs have outscored the Capitals 8-5 during 5 v 5 play.
A key stat in this series.
The Leafs are 5th in the playoffs in creating high danger chances, Washington is 12th.
The game might not get called the right way but the NHL has evolved into a speed and skill game. The Leafs have a little bit more of it and are making things quite interesting.
The Leafs are creating Grade-A chances in the high danger areas and their speed to track the puck is stalling the Capitals breakout, another area Washington struggled last spring against the Penguins in their playoff ouster.
Still, like what happened with Columbus in Game 3 where a Vezina Trophy winning goaltender has to find a way to close the door when given a 3-1 lead, even if their respective club is getting outplayed, Braden Holtby also couldn’t get the job done for the Capitals in their Game 3 loss.
The Year of the Ducks?
— A down season in the Western Conference where there’s no clear cut powerhouse team, has two favorites Chicago and Minnesota both down 3-0 and on the brink of elimination.
The door is wide open for the Ducks, up 3-0 over the Flames, to finally breakthrough and get out of the West.
Edmonton is the most interesting team in the playoffs.
Speaking of the Flames, things are playing out where they’ll be back in the goaltending market this summer. No chance they see Brian Elliott as the guy who can get them to the next level.
— Is former Penguin coach Mike Johnston resurfacing with an NHL club?To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/rf/image/Pub/p4/PalmBeachPost/2013/07/15/Images/photos.medleyphoto.3642160.jpg
Never forget.
Hes freed now
This is weird… guy is found not guilty then hangs himself. Strange. Kid was a fucken moron no doubt but strange
He was found not guilty of ANOTHER murder – he was still in jail for life with no possibility of parole. Not sure why he waited to go through the trial to hang himself – could have saved the taxpayers a few bucks. Ungrateful fuck.
Looks like there is an investigation going on in regards to the death. There were no indicators of self harm visible. Weird.
you mean other than the noose around his neck, I presume?
LOL, ya… I was referring to the signs that psychologists in the prison look for that indicate a risk that they may try suicide. He apparently showed no precursory evidence that he was a suicide risk.
He’s also a sociopath. So let’s not try to rationalize the irrational.
So the Pens weren’t going to go 16-0? As shitty as the team played they almost won, not sure if that is a testament to their skill or how crappy Lumbus is.
they did have 108 pts in the regular season….a crappy team wouldnt obtain that
On a position note, Malkin will be fresh for game 5.
If you lose, it’s important to take a position or two.
Damn fat fingers.
Nice three goal effort by Hainsey tonight
Touchdown! San Jose
zero says the boxscore doesn’t count unless his #cultleader wins the game and posts a .975. then it counts. however when it’s a loss and a %under .900, it’s leaky defense. #freebeebleury, #freespass, #cultofstbleury
But where’s he at for the playoffs. That’s what matters. Same way you ignored Murray’s stats through the last 20 games
the jaded lover routine. Man. You must have been so in love with that smile. Then. Poof. He’s out the door while you’re still looking for baby wipes. Poor yoda.
Projection and failure to read at a 3rd grade level. I called MAFs performance shaky so you fucked that up, not surprising. On top of that you are the one that doesnt give credit where it’s due… because youre a stupid, petty child.
BTW .923 on the playoff so far you cherry picken cuntt
Yoda give me your address I will send you a fleury Jersey to you and a dildoo fleury size cockk so your wife enjoys by realising Herself with real pleasure. Because the stress that you give us on this site I’m sure you do same to your wife.
Weird to think Fleury was drafted before you even started watching the NHL.
What size is that Sam?
Two questions… is that dildo supposed to be Fleury sized or the size of his cock AND why do you have one?
Dks site reporting the leaky defense with no mention of the .853%. Zero, your cue to copy and paste ya bitchhhhhh (in a Rick James voice)
At least you finally recognized that it was your jumping to tell us all about that page and how ridiculous you think it yo be was the rationale for me returning the favour… you’ve entered the acceptance phase of your hypocrisy. PM maloron so he catches up as he’s still in denial
On the that note I’m not shocked that far better hockey people that you realize what went on in the game outside the box score you silly fuckk
(In a rick James voice) you fucken fake ass wannabe… besides you’re thinking Dave Chappelle so you’re wrong again…
it’s not dave chappelle i’m talking about. i’m talking about rick james.
Without going online name 5 of his tracks… I will give you the ones that sold big time too… fucken poser
so you are saying st.bleury didn’t give up 2 free bees tonight? if you take those turds away, you do realize the pens win the game right?
So where was the team around him? You know if they showed up to play D or even showed up to not give up 3x the shots in the 1st 15 minutes the Pens win the game right?
More utter dishonesty from you… not even a game write up just the play by play piece. Between Yohe, Gajtka and DK the one thing is consistent… they see plenty of blame to go around but please tell us how you are so much more able to read the game than the three of those guys and about 2 dozen others out here… and about another few million around North America lol. Twaat! Tomorrow D will write his yoda friendly article to he can get his virtual HJ from you but he will be in the minority as usual.
I blame Sam for this loss. He didnt stick with his pregame ritual of chugging gravy before faceoff.
Put the gravy down Sam. Its too late!
I was pickin Malkin for only showing up once every three games…. ignoring the 8 points notwithstanding
You should’ve choked on a hot dog before the game instead of putting kessel tattoo riding a hot dog
Has it been blown up yet?
Just an observation but does Murray’s ability to get hurt a lot at a young age concern anyone?
Absolutely, I asked that the other night. With Jarry and Gustafson in the waiting mixed with a team that is winning in front of MAF what do we do? Murray getting hurt in practice stopping a puck is a massive red flag
Trade Murray since he has value keep fleury until end of his contract gives time to jarry develop and fleury to train him. Murray is always injured as I said in don’t see him 14 years NHL career when yoda wants always fleury gone you don’t see a lot of goalies hanging on in NHL that long anymore
Yes. He is injury prone. It’s already annoying.
Game 5, the Saint is starting to get nervous. Pens are losing 6-5 in game 5, jackets win game 6 at home, this series is going to 7.
You wearing your Blue Jackets sweater for the next three?
No. Just reporting my vision of the future.
If it’s half as accurate as your predictions all round the pens close big on Thursday
Your vision is generally blurred with fleurys dead babies though….
Wow D didint even waste time for instant buzz
There goes zero, commenting below giving st backup his expected free pass.
Here is why you’re a complete and total waste of oxygen. A goaltender can not be sharp overall and still not be the sole cause for the loss. This is what total twaats like you and maloron don’t get. With kiwi bad the Pens gave opened every single game if you think Murray would gave closed in four your a fucken idiot… which has already been established. Team wasn’t great, MAF wasn’t great but MAF is not at the top of the list of what went wrong for them tonight. That’s the difference between you types and people that don’t… Read more »
He gave up
Two free bees. It was his fault 100%. He sucked.
Considering the source, you have no idea what you’re watching and that’s a fact
MAF wasn’t sharp but there was a fuckk ton more going on you mental midget
Dude pens had 5 shots in first vs 14 how do u want them to be in a winning position this was due to happen they got lucky with 3 previous games that this didint happen fleury is the reason pens are up 3-1 I bet if it was Murray this series would’ve been over 4-0 the way jackets dominated pens in all 4 games in the first period. Fleury is the reason you are still watching hockey you clown
Sammich out thinking yoda… so far I gave CM atop followed by Sammich… yoda and maloron are just sharing the bottom bunk
Yoda is here it’s like. Beetlejuice minute u say his name his here
Except you need to say his name three times… can you not fuck up anything?
Pens lost. Can’t wait to hear how st bleury was awesome even though he gave up 5.
I thought he played better than Sam spells.
Where is yoda
Ron Hainsey’s perfect playoff record comes to end after 14 NHL seasons.
It killed this team
Man that one goal Fleury gave up because he went for a snack is really gonna hurt tonight.
Yup, games on MAF… you’re just as thick as yoda
Hyperbole is the battle cry of the morons in the fan base… yoda, sammich, maloron and now you!
Which one? The 2nd goal of the game when he opened up his legs by removing his stick to prepare for the holy poke check or the one where he kicked into fill HDHD and forgot to get to the post after the puck went behind the net?
You mean hainseys first goal?
I can’t wait D instant buzz and tomorrow’s news bashing fleury.
Too many men? Malkins fault? Fleury? Crosby’s FO% dropped to 45 here so it’s likely his
Hahaha pens with 7 guys
This team was not ready to play tonight
When Hainsey is showing more offense then crosby, there’s a problem.
You think malkin and his line was any better according to score box followers yes but according to real hockey followers malkin line was just as bad as Sids line if not worst
Malkins line wasn’t a combined -7.
Actually Malkins line was +3
Mostly because of the pk
Sammich owned by CM… so this is creating and obviously totem pole here
Score Box
Not the Pens best game tonight. They damn sure better show up and play better from the start on Thursday. Would be nice if they stopped playing from behind.
What a fun crowd on their feet most of the game getting drunk and chanting for their team. If this was in Pittsburgh crowd would be sitting all quiet as if it’s a museum take few selfish pictures posting on fb then go home midway 3rd period to wake up next day for school
Have you ever been to a real hockey game in your life?
While I will agree that the afternoon games in Pittsburgh the crowds are soft.
Only afternoon games?
Ok true haha
At least Penguins fans cheer for their team better then Florida teams when fans cheering for the other teams thinking it’s Florida teams
You know its because they never win right? Just like Montreal.
Take poutine away from your fatass for one day and see how excited you are when it comes back.
Everyone can shut their TV tonight and come back on Thursday.And let yoda all alone in this site until Thursday
This could be your worst sentence structure yet.
Crosbys line basically screwed the team. -3 is just awful
Rebound machine…
He’s also at least a -2 by now
Garbage they are all watching the puck how did maattaa do on that one zero
Ya he was taking his guy in the crease… it hit them., fuck you Maatta should have dropped him. God you’re a dumbfuckk
Four guys standing there and nobody hits anyone. Soff
SAWFT
Sid’s line is killing us tonight.
So Crosby can’t win a faceoff and he’s -3.
Most of those from the pk though
53%…
-3
Woooooooooooo
Holy fuck I wish we had a Vezina goalie… we’d be so much better off
Coonhackl
Don’t worry I’ll bring home the victory on Thursday at the Paint Can.
Fleury stay in your damn net. You mental midget
Lazy fucken play MAF… that one hurts
Party at stains and yoda’s. Make your pick boys
That’s the funniest thing you’ve said in the 10 years you’ve been watching the NHL
Yeah Malkin sucks tonight Maloni.
WTF Crosby!
Where was the D again
Apparently shark tank will be invaded with oilers fans tonight. Kinda reminds me of the Tampax games when Habs fans invaded and jew bettman came up with a rule in playoffs tickets goes to Tampax fans first
Remember when sammich accused me of being a secret oiler fan? I didn’t even know this… I love the oil, not like I love the Pens but sammich seems to be real in tune with teams he claims are not his favourite. As McDavid and co improve I think we will see more insight about the Oilers from the sammich like this
I try to watch every game I can not boxed on watch only Penguins game and when player gets trade in get surprised who is this player as if it came from another planet
Probably you, stain and some other bandwagons evaluate or know about their hockey players due to highlights at 10pm when they watch the score
Remember stain #ScoreBoxMatters
Yes sammich, your clear bias towards players born in my country and a complete disregard for things like salary cap and realistic player availability make it clear you are right on top of things lol
Pens need to come out hard and break the will of Columbus.
Hell give me a Daley or Cole goal. Just score
I’m usually against teams relax in first round waiting other teams to finish their series but this time I want pens to finish jackets in 4 since we have injured players to heal
I agree with you on this one
“Malkin line needs to show up… especially Malkin, such a let down. And fucken Ron Hainsey is killing us”. samdeigopittfan
“In fact this team would better if we take Malkin off the PP” – samdiegopittfan
Dude it was a lucky harmless play
“Harmless play” ends up in the net…
Sam’s only been watching the sport since the Crosby lottery. Cut him a break
That’s you and npl you fatt Fuckk if it wasn’t for Crosby you wouldn’t even discovered hockey .if it wasn’t for Crosby this site probably wouldn’t exist
sam used to think the Wild were original 6
Where do you come up with these dunbasss nonsense
“Harmless play” – puts the team within one and youre calling other comments nonsense?
Shut up Ron Klatt lol
Shut up sammich duranceau-cloutier
This is outstanding!
Ha! I have to remember that when I respond to his posts.
Every game Bob lets in that goal.
Is it Thursday yet? Where is mstartari
Ha! Got me Sam. I hope they prove me wrong.
Problem with pens all 4 games they let jackets come hard on the first. If jackets had same luck as tonight in the previous 3 games 1st periods chances are series would’ve been the opposite
Hainsey is ruining this team. Ruining.
Yoda our prophet once said pens need 4 to win for fleury. It’d always fleurys fault despite how garbage the team playing in front of him tonight
Dubinsky assignment changed from Crosby to Malkin primarily because Malkin only shows up once every third game lol
No you moron because when he plays vs sid while they try to shut sid line their line gets shut to with soft malkin and chubby duby line has better chance to score
Chubby duby
That makes total sense… Sullivan took Dubinsky off Sid so he could become the 35 point man he used to be lol
Fleury is ok. But his rebounds are leading to a lot of second chances.
I think Fleury is a -1 from the pk too
Fleurys -1 is a concern but I’m really upset at how Malkin has lead the playoffs in scoring so far… he needs to show up once in awhile. At least more than once every third game
That’s when your D comes in and clears the puck in order to create a counter attack yet they are lost watching jackets skating by them
It’s fleurys fault guys yet shots are 7 to 21
Pens players are falling all over the ice
Calling this all day, pens with this group have allowed their clinch games to get away from them… thanks Malkin, Hainsey, Fleury…
Pens need powerplays specialists because chubby and Russian are ghosts
I think Samantha made a joke.
We know Crosby is here cuz he lost the face off and scored their first goal
Hope your Russian finally decides to shows up in this game at least you know sid is on the ice even tho he scored for jackets while your Russian is skating like a figure skater around the ice with no impact. More like a tourist at this game. Sully should lie to him and say this is WC
Guy basically made that PP goal happen… Sid touched it on the way in but Malkin played it well, god between you yoda and maloron you have about 5% understanding of what goes on out there… at the same time a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while
Go fuckk yourself Ron Klatt. You fake Canadian when sid does plays and doesn’t get points you never point him preparing the play. Hope you get a snow storm and miss the remaining of the series
Go fuckk yourself sammich duranceau. You wannabe Canadian snow frog. When Malkin does anything you attempt to discredit him while slobbing crosbys johnson to the taint when he drinks from his water bottle. I hope you get some deodorant so people don’t have to open windows in cold weather when you’re in the room
Was leading the league in post season points not “showing up?”
Sorry for the double post.
Game over.
This just isn’t our night. See you Thursday.
Starting to agree. Can’t even complete a pass. Entire team looks out of it. Which makes you wonder how someone singles out malkin like he knows what he’s talking about
This is hard to watch. I agree so many icings as well.
Singling out Malkin was odd.
Especially the claim “once every three games”… not gonna lie if Malkin put up 6 points every three games I’d be more than happy with him!
Exactly. Those 3 are fluent in moron.
Typical bandwagon you might as well come back on this site next April
4-3 pens in OT. Sid the squid with the GW
I hope your right. Big goal.
And unlike the other night, Fleury is sharp
First period… hope this doesn’t come back and bite you in the ass again! I’m sure mommy and daddy would like some sleep tonight as opposed to the loud self hate fuck you punish yourself with when things go wrong for you…
Malkin putting in by far his most impressive “I don’t care” performance. Dude is a huge bag a shit. Hey Geno, think you might want to show up every third game.
Guy leads the team in scoring genius… he’s been around each night except this first where few have. All that shit you were talking and this is your assessment. Who needs a colour TV in their parents aluminum siding home basement now maloron… English speaking Sam couldn’t be more accurate
Yet Crosby is the one with a -2…
We’re any of those on the pk?
Jackets bandwagon fans are louder then pens fans. Maybe because average age is 25 and not 5
Every game jackets owning pens in 1st period only different this time it’s going their way this series could’ve easily been 3-0 for jackets
How does it make you feel that the Jackets were a “new” team when you started watching hockey?
Get fuckedd you piece .the only reason you started watching hockey is because of Crosby. I bet you and npl didint even know what hockey was before that I even bet without Crosby this site wouldn’t even exist
Crosby -2 again…
Hopefully he won’t wait until the last shift of the game to realize he’s a hockey player and stop playing scared
Where is yoda? It’s fleurys fault buddy yet pens have 4 shots this period
Bad period from all of them. Can’t win faceoffs. Can’t get off the ice. Can’t get any shot on net. Plenty of blame to go around.
Only thing I’ve read tonight that makes sense so far
Fleurys lef tside exposed again. Captain rebound ..
Get it together frenchy
What the fuck are you talking about?
If it’s not malkin it’s Cole. If its not Cole its malkin those 2 idiots do their best to take pens momentum with their stupid penalties on regular basis
Let the record show Crosby lost the face off and had the puck go off his skate for the 1-0 lead…
Can the Pens maybe practice gaveoffs once in a while? Just me or has Crosby been not doing so hot on faceoffs lately?
58% in three games… ya he’s been shit lol. For fuck sakes lol
Mattaa traded yet apparently the contract was well worth it according to gaydogg
Maatta has been pretty good for this team over three retard. God you suck at everything
How’s his speed
Not great but he is out playing it fuckheadd. Bet he’d out skate Thornton dumbass
Apparently npl got a tattoo of kessel riding a hot dog
I think it’s just a bad matchup when the Capitals play in the playoffs at this point, no?
Maybe they build the team around wrong people
Why are we reading about caps. People here only care about pens. Just ask tbj
Because the great American, and Stanley Cup Winning Head Coach, “Disco” Dan Bylsma, might end up in Washington – replacing longtime Canadian putz, “Mr. Mediocre” Barry Trotz.
You must be on high meds fatso. When season starts db has few months of life with the team, depending how he does which I doubt he will do good because players in locker room don’t like him and maybe sabres will fire him before just to get back Lindy Ruff. As for db he will never coach again in NHL unless clown shero hires him
Still going on about db!
“Why do people care about the Caps – they only care about the Pens…”
“Let’s talk about the Buffalo coach.”
That’s our SAMMICH!!!
Well sam, I’ll try to dumb this down, since you’re dumb. The penguins will play the winner of this series. Therefore, pens fans would be interested. Since you’re not a pens fan, you wouldn’t understand. One thing pens fans wouldn’t care about is the coach of a team that didn’t make the playoffs. Not everyone here shares the same physical attraction to db the way you do.
I dont think Sam realizes theres more rounds after this. #1993
#HockeyStartsInApril
#hockeyendsinApril
Not that your post makes any sense to begin with.
Stanley Cup Odds. I’m still pessimistic about the Pens winning back to back, I was in HS the last time they did it. Back then repeating was actually possible.
Penguins 7/2
Blues 6/1
Ducks 13/2
Capitals 13/2
Oilers 17/2
Predators 17/2
Canadiens 10/1
Leafs 16/1
Rangers 22/1
Senators 22/1
Bruins 25/1
Blackhawks 25/1
Sharks 25/1
Blue Jackets 50/1
Wild 50/1
Flames 125/1
Flames odds seem high at this point
I’d say it’s a possibility at this point. Definitely a lot harder, though. Most teams don’t bring back as many guys from their previous roster, nor have the top end talent the way the pens do. If Washington does get knocked off and we advance, you’ll have the two biggest regular season threats out already, with Chicago on the brink as well if we made the finals. All this is why the penguins are such big favorites. Being +350 in the first round to win the cup doesn’t happen every year.
Read a great line about Toews today, when the tangibles are not there, overrate the intangibles!
Guys a very good player but not that long ago people were claiming he was better than Crosby because of all those intangibles. watching the team struggle now that the depth has been siphoned off by large deals for Kane and Toews is very redeeming lol
Where did you see this line?
Fan on another page said it… was perfect lol
will the saint be calm enough to close the door and end the series tonight or will the ticking time bomb finally explode? i’m not a believer. #ticticticticticticticboom!
This is by far the most obvious “throw enough shit at a wall” series of comments from you for as long as we have been on this board. You have said this every night… you are 0 and 3 so far. So let’s say tonight the Pens don’t close for whatever reason your stupid ass will be out here gloating that “your favourite team” lost and that you had called it “bow down to your prophet”.
You’re a child, a stupid, petty, little child.
just saying….it’s only a matter of time. it’s been that way since 2009. it sucks.
He won the cup in 2009… He was shaky at times in 2010 but the teams inability to beat Halak was a the bigger concern. He was shaky in 2011 at times but missing Crosby and Malkin was the bigger concern. He fully melted down in 2012 behind a team that collectively lost its mind and he melted down on his own in 2013. 2011 through 2012 can all have fingers pointed directly and Bylsma for the lack of structure that did little to help the situation. 2013 Vokoun was more stable but the team still lost badly vs the… Read more »
holy jaydogg batman!
Nobody expects a simpleton like you to make it through that much text, FroYo #TearItDown
Although this was a gaydogg style novel I agree word by word. Only part in would add is sully benefiting a lot from JM he even mentioned in a interview saying he relied heavily on JM last year in playoffs and this year shultz said it too his game became better with help of JM after practice staying on ice with him
martin is gold yes but Sullivan makes the team go
btw zero – i’m going to agree with sam for once in my life – you pretty much nailed it. It’s odd he talks about Fleury melting down in 2012, but won’t even bring up the fact that Letang and Crosby completely melted down right beside him during a pinnacle Game 3.
Why even reply to this fucking idiot? St Bleury? Like that isn’t even slightly funny or clever. This guy is a troll with not much else to do but stir you guys up. I hit ignore on his unfunny ass long ago.
Sounds like he got a little excited during your intimate encounter – sorry to hear that. Not sure it translates to his .946 sv pct in the playoffs though – maybe he just finds you that hot.
“The Leads are certainly not the Penguins” who the F are the Leads, are we talking Leeds United?
Up 3-1, and a 2 min 5 on 3, cant score.
Thats not a bad matchup thats the loser gene kicking in
I loved Cherry’s focus of Kuznetzovs douchebag move in game one followed by his post when he had the game basically on his stick (that goal could have really changed the complexion of the game). He leads that loser gene race on that team.