As a Canes fan, I started watching the series after the David Ayres game. The Leafs have slowly developed into my second favorite team between the LFRs and the podcast. I root for the Leafs when they're on now just because it's so nice to see Steve happy, and to see Iggy get treats!
I find Tavares has 2 types of goals a lot of the time. "I got the puck in front of the net, I'll shoot it" "There's a player between me and the net standing directly behind me, I'll Spin and Shoot it!"
Pretty physical for not a big player too. Though mostly he's just really good at slipping away from traffic. He's not outrunning them, he's just smooth. Slides out of the marking like a ninja. Admittedly a lot of that comes from being a second rounder rookie, so no one pays you much mind, but still, his skating seems quite solid and he's at least a bit scrappy.
I don’t think so. He took a look back to see a leaf coming behind him. Knies I think it was? That’s his move. He’s done it before and he will probably do it again.
I think Leafs nation is really starting to like this team. I know its the hope that kills you with the leafs, but the narrative lately has been so good with them. The kids look interested, and I think Berube is the right coach. Excited to see how this season goes.
Just some random thoughts: Matthews is back and our power play sucks again. Thinking might be a good idea to put in second line for PPs? Marner seems to forget to shoot when paired with Matthews. Might need to call a shrink for that one. I’d like to pre-order the Travares trick shot video. That no look spin whip around above the shoulders is yet another highlight goal for this season.
The Leafs are incredibly deep in goal. Just fantastic. Stolarz, Woll, Hildeby, Murray and Akhtyamov. Just crazy depth. "Goalies are like a quilt built for you." As a quilter, and goal geek, I totally agree!
Compared to the shaky first half from last year's Leaf roster, this is night and day. Last year they lost both contests against the Blackhawks, and Fraser Minton was lacklustre and that first game. When dealing with the tide, you recognize the periods of calm because you know that things can turn on a dime.
Minten is doing what he should. Do we need to recall that we had Engvall, who didn't like to fight in the corners, and frequently wouldnt do what it took down low? Minten is doing his job
Woll: 8 GP - 2.13/.923 Stolarz: 14GP - 2.23/.924 They're both playing top tier, but give it to Stolarz for holding it down more thus far. Hopefully they both stay healthy.
From recent memory the leafs are the only team i can think of in the last 15 years that have made the playoffs the following season after drafting the 1st overall pick…correct me if im wrong
Great to have two good goalies. I had the same problem with reading the numbers on the jerseys as the Blackhawks on AM's goal because for a moment i didnt know who was so wide open and expected a weak finish. then it went in and i realised it was Matthews...
While numbers are important, it's fairly easy to know the players by how they move, albeit the game moves fast and sometimes notice is too short like the goal in question. Willy, Mitch, Matthews, Reilly and Knies particularly, although now Knies and Matthews are somewhat similar as are the two Nylanders (until Willy touches it and you know instantly, thank goodness)
I’ve only been watching hockey regularly for a few years, since I started writing a book. Learned a whole lot from watching your vids, and the ol’ Dang-its/Hat-Picks, plus some awesome folks in the comments. I’ve been watching the Leafs regularly since they had Zach-Aston Reese. I followed him from the Pens to the Ducks to the Leafs, well and now the Blue Jackets. Stayed a Leafs fan because I really like some of the team (Tavares especially) AND I can actually watch games since I’m mostly blacked out of watching the Penguins. 🙄Having watched the Ducks since, Stolie is awesome. I was disappointed when they let him go, even though both Gibson and Dostal are solid. Worked out for him, though, ‘cause he’s only played, what 123 games, and he’s already won the Stanley Cup. I’m glad he’s a Leaf now. Woll and Stolarz make a good goalie tandem. The glasses after the game was a nice touch.
i always leave a spot or two on my fantasy roster for last minute pickups on light nights. This year I started picking up random former leafs whenever their new teams play, because you know they're gonna have a good game. I had trouble picking who to pick up last night.
Never a better morning in traffic (Steve ya feel me!) than listening to a post-win LFR. Thanks for the laughs in an otherwise road-ragey start to a Thursday ❤
I know it's a good thing not to talk about him, but there's been some Tanev to team Canada for the four Nations Cup recently. It's crazy how good he's been defensively. I don't know if it would happen but I would love to see him on team Canada!
I like when younger guys can experience the nhl. Then they know what to expect and what to work on. Minten this year vs last year is an example. Hopefully GREBBY is able to fit in next year
"Knies is build like a jeep" ... So we should expect him to have a lot of injuries? Are his knees the transmission or the tie-rods? Either way I'm concerned
I think there should be a rule in the NHL that says if u're a number 1 draft pick and u play for a team that continues to be terrible ur entire ELC u should have the right to leave without all the nonsense.
All in favour of steve saying "o wow!" when the team wins, and he does iggy treat toss, and iggy catches it. He tosses the treat, iggy catches it, and steve goes "o wow!"
was watching the blackhawks broadcast, and they interviewed Bert pre game. When told to go to the net he said "yeah I'll be there" God I miss him so much
He doesn't have a Canadian passport, he has an American one. There's some weird rule at play in terms of which country he can play for because of that despite his citizenship.
This game had 'trap game' written all over it. After facing tough divisional opponents back to back, playing the sad sack Blackhawks afterwards, on a Monday, was almost a guaranteed loss. The fact this this year's version of the Leafs won, has me thinking maybe, just maybe, this year's team is different. We will see...
I’ve liked the wins over the jets, bruins, lighting (twice now) and the golden knights. I will admit. And some of those wins came with a very broken roster. So that does all give me hope. Getting drillled up and down the ice by the panthers does not lol. I’ve watched this core for 8yrs and do not give a shit what they do against the Utah hockey club or this god awful Chicago team or even a decent LA team. We know we can and should easily beat those teams. I’m not going to be “all in” until I see them dominating the other teams in their division to FINALLY get a ticket to the conference finals
@@bBrooksRI’m with you on all these points, but typically the Hawks, Sens and Habs seem to beat the Leafs more often than I’d like. As if they “play down” to them instead of setting their tone. That seems to be the BIGGEST reason this season looks different. Vasy getting pulled in 1st game made the 2nd win even sweeter!
@@sg_onefly I agree it does feel good to get wins when it’s vs teams that you should beat. Still haven’t gone on our west coast trip so there is plenty of time to lose those games lol. I know that Florida game had a lot of special circumstances, so that’s why I’m not too down, but I won’t think “this year is different” until we’re in the conference finals. It is great hockey though and I am enjoying watching our buds be #1 in the division.
It's sad that of the three big AHL names, Nylander is undeniably the weakest link and not going to stay long term barring some major signs of improvement. Grebenkin needs some time in the oven for sure, but the signs are so clearly there. He has confidence and style, and while he makes a lot of super risky hits that make me cringe for fear of that quick rookie whistle, the balls to come into the NHL swinging and absolutely plastering league veterans is incredible. Minten, meanwhile, is just straight up an NHL player. Sure its a small sample size but there hasn't been a moment in any game he's played so far where he was the weakest link. He plays responsibly on both ends and is a regular threat on offense. What more could you ask for. If he keeps that up, even if his points slow down I'd still be happy to have him there. Definitely unlikely to stick around this season though simply because of waivers. Once the rest of the guys start rolling back in there's either gotta be a trade, or the non-eligible players have to go back to the A.
As a Canes fan, I started watching the series after the David Ayres game. The Leafs have slowly developed into my second favorite team between the LFRs and the podcast. I root for the Leafs when they're on now just because it's so nice to see Steve happy, and to see Iggy get treats!
As a leafs fan, I don't watch the games anymore, too stressful, and I think I'm bad luck too. Now I just wait for the LFR's and the playoffs
@@bradybeijes3232so you’re why they keep losing in the playoffs…
@BennyBurrito662 I mean, you can blame me for the past 23 years if you must, but I didn't exist before that😂
Im the same way @@bradybeijes3232
Steve’s Impression of John Tavares is literally the best 😂
It somehow NEVER gets old.
Literally
Lol my buddy sounds like Tavares 😂😂it's actually scary😅😅
I love his Tavares skits
J T & Steve look related. They look alike.
I 4-1 had a good time tonight
*rimshot*
Buh dum ta
My signed book from Blue Heron arrived yesterday, thanks so much again for all you do!
I find Tavares has 2 types of goals a lot of the time.
"I got the puck in front of the net, I'll shoot it"
"There's a player between me and the net standing directly behind me, I'll Spin and Shoot it!"
Grebankyn is gonna be fire. The guy clearly has high end talent. I hope he gets enough time to find his groove.
Id rather he plays top minutes in the ahl when we get healthier.
He needs more time in the AHL.
Me: Hey, Stolarz is in net tonight.....awesome
Also Me: Hey, Woll is in net tonight.....awesome.
Since Chicago beat Dallas and Florida, that officially makes us better than both of them. Planning the parade as we speak!
Don't you mean parody??
I really admire how Tavares scores on the backhand. He really has an innate feel for where the net is.
"a who's who of WHO?!" has me dying 🤣
What I love about Minten is his two way play. He has been noticable back checking and making good stick plays in the defensive zone.
Thanks captain obvious
@dangular95 beat it with your negativity
@@dangular95 who hurt you?
Pretty physical for not a big player too. Though mostly he's just really good at slipping away from traffic. He's not outrunning them, he's just smooth. Slides out of the marking like a ninja. Admittedly a lot of that comes from being a second rounder rookie, so no one pays you much mind, but still, his skating seems quite solid and he's at least a bit scrappy.
@@thepinkplushie He is listed at 6'2 195LBS not exactly small either
"They signed a who's who of 'Who?'" -- That's a nice line.
When Marner passed that puck back on the breakaway, I guarantee one of the Chicago D's yelled Mitch
Bro he's been so good lately and that shit made me CURSE in a room full of families
I was at the game, the whole crowd was stunned! I think I will chalk this one up to ‘familiarity’ or ‘chemistry’ whatever you wanna call it!
I don’t think so. He took a look back to see a leaf coming behind him. Knies I think it was? That’s his move. He’s done it before and he will probably do it again.
we all saw the drool from Iggy, right? LOL
Tavares' magic amulet seems to be working its charm.
I learned that both Pat Maroon and Mikeyhev were on the Blackhawks today
It's amazing what a decent defense and good goaltending can do.
(Captain) Tavares has 11 total Goals. 5 of which are Game winners. Including His last 3. 😮 👏
Love John Tavares!
Making a case for the Marty this year
Hey Nigel and Jack. Thank you Steve for another very good video!
Glad I bought a tavares jersey 😂
I think Leafs nation is really starting to like this team. I know its the hope that kills you with the leafs, but the narrative lately has been so good with them. The kids look interested, and I think Berube is the right coach. Excited to see how this season goes.
The only Chicago goal was scored by the son of a former Leaf. Robert Reichel played in Sundin era.
The worse era too. Other than mogilny
Just some random thoughts:
Matthews is back and our power play sucks again. Thinking might be a good idea to put in second line for PPs?
Marner seems to forget to shoot when paired with Matthews. Might need to call a shrink for that one.
I’d like to pre-order the Travares trick shot video. That no look spin whip around above the shoulders is yet another highlight goal for this season.
This is just how he scores now… the backhand he did on Saturday(?) was pretty impressive too!
@@sg_oneflyHe does not need to see, the amulet sees all. He simply must listen to its call.
None of you watched J T on the islanders or in minors he’s always played like that. It’s the lacrosse
@@alltheworldsastage.oh yeah like I’ve seen it many times, just not this often! I mean… contract season for JT & MM too so…
@@sg_onefly
John will take less to stay and Mitch will want more and they will pay so he stays
Great analysis, man!!! Both the goalie situation and Tavares. Plus, it's so nice to analyze generally really good hockey!
The Leafs are incredibly deep in goal. Just fantastic. Stolarz, Woll, Hildeby, Murray and Akhtyamov. Just crazy depth. "Goalies are like a quilt built for you." As a quilter, and goal geek, I totally agree!
Still weird to read that growing up with All-Star goaltenders like Cujo and Eddie then nothing much else after them...
Compared to the shaky first half from last year's Leaf roster, this is night and day. Last year they lost both contests against the Blackhawks, and Fraser Minton was lacklustre and that first game. When dealing with the tide, you recognize the periods of calm because you know that things can turn on a dime.
Leafs are a top team playing low event hockey which transitions right into playoff hockey. And they found out they have depth to boot. That's hope!
Minten is doing what he should. Do we need to recall that we had Engvall, who didn't like to fight in the corners, and frequently wouldnt do what it took down low? Minten is doing his job
Dewar is great on the PK and never costs the team anything
Hat guy making a lot of good points these days. Fast forward to LFR19 and hat guy is now Steve's therapist.
STOLLIE THE GOALIE
"Is that Willy out there? Um, no it's not" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
18:08 Knies Reminds you of A Jeep🎶
Is Stolarz the Leafs MVP this season?
Him or Marner
Woll has better numbers than stolarz, but don't bite my head off. I am loving stolarz as our goalie
Well he did before that game, I don't know what it's like now
Woll: 8 GP - 2.13/.923
Stolarz: 14GP - 2.23/.924
They're both playing top tier, but give it to Stolarz for holding it down more thus far. Hopefully they both stay healthy.
From recent memory the leafs are the only team i can think of in the last 15 years that have made the playoffs the following season after drafting the 1st overall pick…correct me if im wrong
3 teams have;
Avalanche, 2013-14
Maple Leafs, 2016-17
Devils, 2017-18
Great to have two good goalies.
I had the same problem with reading the numbers on the jerseys as the Blackhawks on AM's goal because for a moment i didnt know who was so wide open and expected a weak finish. then it went in and i realised it was Matthews...
While numbers are important, it's fairly easy to know the players by how they move, albeit the game moves fast and sometimes notice is too short like the goal in question. Willy, Mitch, Matthews, Reilly and Knies particularly, although now Knies and Matthews are somewhat similar as are the two Nylanders (until Willy touches it and you know instantly, thank goodness)
Thanks as always Steve! Missed this one due to it being on the THIRD broadcaster. THATS SO MANY BROADCASTERS IN THIS YEAR OF OUR LORD SUNDIN 2024!!
Nothing on stolarz with sunglasses on for the first star skate!!?!?!?
Last year and years prior the games against Chicago were almost guaranteed losses. Good to get the win
Was a chill game but never was worried
I’ve only been watching hockey regularly for a few years, since I started writing a book. Learned a whole lot from watching your vids, and the ol’ Dang-its/Hat-Picks, plus some awesome folks in the comments. I’ve been watching the Leafs regularly since they had Zach-Aston Reese.
I followed him from the Pens to the Ducks to the Leafs, well and now the Blue Jackets. Stayed a Leafs fan because I really like some of the team (Tavares especially) AND I can actually watch games since I’m mostly blacked out of watching the Penguins. 🙄Having watched the Ducks since, Stolie is awesome. I was disappointed when they let him go, even though both Gibson and Dostal are solid. Worked out for him, though, ‘cause he’s only played, what 123 games, and he’s already won the Stanley Cup. I’m glad he’s a Leaf now. Woll and Stolarz make a good goalie tandem.
The glasses after the game was a nice touch.
i always leave a spot or two on my fantasy roster for last minute pickups on light nights. This year I started picking up random former leafs whenever their new teams play, because you know they're gonna have a good game. I had trouble picking who to pick up last night.
“Being a part of the suck” 😂😂😂
MITCH HAS TO SHOOT ON THAT BREAKAWAY !!! 🏒🥅
I was waiting for Leafs fourth line centre to score fourth goal, so all 4 centres could score in order.
Never a better morning in traffic (Steve ya feel me!) than listening to a post-win LFR. Thanks for the laughs in an otherwise road-ragey start to a Thursday ❤
Uhh….today is Tuesday 😊
And someone just noted its Tuesday 😮😂😮
Has anyone else ever seen the Doctor Who where there’s the planet stuck in multigenerational traffic jam?!?
Who remembers the “what’s your thing” tv commercial from the 90s in Canada?
Was legit reciting the commercial lmao the trex my favorite was the house hippo
Go to the book signing, Steve is great! Was in Dartmouth with my son a few weeks ago :-)
I know it's a good thing not to talk about him, but there's been some Tanev to team Canada for the four Nations Cup recently.
It's crazy how good he's been defensively. I don't know if it would happen but I would love to see him on team Canada!
@16:44 …my thing is sound effects, here’s a T-Rex. *makes T-Rex noises*.
Gotta love Dangle!
Somebody has to finish last, Blackhawks got 3 cups in this century so why not them...
Who's who is WHO?
When the captain scored, I actually commented, "Where did he come from?"
Hey, Steve, when are you coming to Hockey Town Windsor with your book?
It was such a quiet game
I made it to the LFR 😂. Not a common occurrence
I actually thought Grebenkin was slow to the play tonight. I think the NHL stint has flushed out his conditioning.
I like when younger guys can experience the nhl. Then they know what to expect and what to work on. Minten this year vs last year is an example. Hopefully GREBBY is able to fit in next year
14:21 Saros has been playing really well actually, they are not bothered about both of their goaltenders by any means
We beat the Chicago MapleLeafs
Contract years usually translate to good numbers. It's not shocking Marner and JT are lighting it up. They want the bag.
Timmons scares me
Did we just goalee Chicago ? It is a new thought as I'm a life long Leaf's fan and we are the team that gets "goaleed" lol
Leafs vs ex leafs
Are you going to a Fronts game on the 8th or you'll just be at the arena? Will you guys be hitting up the Mansion again, after the fact?
We all knew Mitch was gonna backpass to no one as soon as the play developed 😂
"Knies is build like a jeep" ... So we should expect him to have a lot of injuries? Are his knees the transmission or the tie-rods? Either way I'm concerned
Going to be overpaid soon 😂
Sad had to miss you in Halifax for your book signing :( had to work. Guess you will have to write another book and co.e again
When are you and your book coming to saskatchewan? Swift Current sk would be nice cause I live there.
I don't feel bad for the Blackhawks, who does? They were a dynasty not too long ago, with multiple Cups ffs.
While allegations going on and no one doing anything about it
Do you think Marner’s attempt at the empty-netter was an intentional bank pass off the end boards instead of a shot?
More than likely.
Hey Steve, I think a future title for a LFR is "Stolarz Performance "
Fraser Minten "sticks it in the net!".
Come to the west coast! Sign my book!
It’s wild to me that your videos on Leafs losses perform better. I like you but I actively avoid those videos.
Same, sometimes I watch them a few days later after the hysteria has subsided, I don't wallow in the negative energy
Any relation to Bates Battaglia?
No Montreal book signings?
Gotta love a goalie who can steal one.
Stickit inthe net!
Letttttttsssssss Goooooooooo!!!!!!!! Baby💙💙💙💙💙💙
Is there a difference between the leafs pp and Pk units? Because at the moment I swear the pp unit think they are ment to be the Pk unit
I think there should be a rule in the NHL that says if u're a number 1 draft pick and u play for a team that continues to be terrible ur entire ELC u should have the right to leave without all the nonsense.
Won 200$ from this game I think I had a good night
All in favour of steve saying "o wow!" when the team wins, and he does iggy treat toss, and iggy catches it.
He tosses the treat, iggy catches it, and steve goes "o wow!"
Nay
I didn't see the first period, but for the majority of the two that I did see, Chicago outplayed us.
was watching the blackhawks broadcast, and they interviewed Bert pre game. When told to go to the net he said "yeah I'll be there" God I miss him so much
LETS GO LEAFS
I think we might need to put the "former Leaf scores against them" thing to bed soon. When's the last time it happened?
I’ll be the idiot who asks - how do you not have a passport as an NHLer??
He doesn't have a Canadian passport, he has an American one. There's some weird rule at play in terms of which country he can play for because of that despite his citizenship.
He's an American, but he also is a citizen of Canada and Switzerland because his parents were born there.
I knew Bedard was just a flash in the pan. Good in points but crud vs Leafs every time
bedard is close to mcdavid in faceoff percentage relative to age :)
Remember the leafs almost traded knies to the hawks lol thank God Kyle Doofus didn't pull the trigger.
You mean shanahan
Leafs are tied (Dallas) for the LOWEST GA IN THE NHL.
THEY TEND THE GOAL! 😂
This game had 'trap game' written all over it. After facing tough divisional opponents back to back, playing the sad sack Blackhawks afterwards, on a Monday, was almost a guaranteed loss. The fact this this year's version of the Leafs won, has me thinking maybe, just maybe, this year's team is different. We will see...
I gotta say this being the first/only game of the season I saw in-person… there’s like this super calm feeling in the arena… but OMG THE REFS!
I’ve liked the wins over the jets, bruins, lighting (twice now) and the golden knights. I will admit. And some of those wins came with a very broken roster. So that does all give me hope. Getting drillled up and down the ice by the panthers does not lol. I’ve watched this core for 8yrs and do not give a shit what they do against the Utah hockey club or this god awful Chicago team or even a decent LA team. We know we can and should easily beat those teams. I’m not going to be “all in” until I see them dominating the other teams in their division to FINALLY get a ticket to the conference finals
@@bBrooksRI’m with you on all these points, but typically the Hawks, Sens and Habs seem to beat the Leafs more often than I’d like. As if they “play down” to them instead of setting their tone. That seems to be the BIGGEST reason this season looks different. Vasy getting pulled in 1st game made the 2nd win even sweeter!
@@sg_onefly I agree it does feel good to get wins when it’s vs teams that you should beat. Still haven’t gone on our west coast trip so there is plenty of time to lose those games lol. I know that Florida game had a lot of special circumstances, so that’s why I’m not too down, but I won’t think “this year is different” until we’re in the conference finals. It is great hockey though and I am enjoying watching our buds be #1 in the division.
Bedard, Bertuzzied
Watch the leafs land Conor in 5 fives 😅
Oof... it's hard for a goalie to make Andrew Raycroft look good.
It's sad that of the three big AHL names, Nylander is undeniably the weakest link and not going to stay long term barring some major signs of improvement. Grebenkin needs some time in the oven for sure, but the signs are so clearly there. He has confidence and style, and while he makes a lot of super risky hits that make me cringe for fear of that quick rookie whistle, the balls to come into the NHL swinging and absolutely plastering league veterans is incredible. Minten, meanwhile, is just straight up an NHL player. Sure its a small sample size but there hasn't been a moment in any game he's played so far where he was the weakest link. He plays responsibly on both ends and is a regular threat on offense. What more could you ask for. If he keeps that up, even if his points slow down I'd still be happy to have him there. Definitely unlikely to stick around this season though simply because of waivers. Once the rest of the guys start rolling back in there's either gotta be a trade, or the non-eligible players have to go back to the A.
How does joey play for kraken but not have a passport.
This game was usually a loss for the last 15 years
it's X not twitter