Predictability and overthinking ruined the Leafs power play last season

-“You guys gotta stop losin’. Get the power play together.”
-“Yeah, we’re working on it.”
Slap Shot (1977)
Welcome to Manny Malhotra’s Leafs. A team with some of the highest end offensive talent in the league, but seemingly can’t figure out how to use it when they outnumber the opposition. Over the past year we’ve come to talk about the Leafs power play like it was the bottom of the league, but it was decidedly middle of the pack at 16th overall. It definitely slid over the course of the year, but at the end of the day it was 16th. It will be most remembered for being completely ineffective in the playoffs but it was 16th, sliding back 10 spots from being the 6th best power play in the league the year before, and 8th the year before that. If you feel like going back to 2017-18, it was 2nd in the league. Given that the personnel has largely been unchanged, it’s going to come down to strategy and deployment that the Leafs haven’t been able to get past.
What went wrong?
The clearest answer for what went wrong with the Leafs power play …

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Author: Jon Steitzer / The Leafs Nation

Lamenting the Leafs: Reverse Retro Rhetoric

On the latest episode of the Lamenting the Leafs podcast, the guys discuss the unveiling of the NHL’s Reverse Retro jerseys before diving into TheLeafsNation’s prospect ranking series, as well as all the latest news on the the NHL, ECHL, and NWHL seasons. And for those of you that have been following the story of Anthony MacDonald, a young hockey player who suffered a serious head injury last week, we have encouraging news on that front as well!
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/lamenting-the-leafs/id1536788950#episodeGuid=tag%3Asoundcloud%2C2010%3Atracks%2F932434783
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/72guJVeaoUzMmScoQnn6hp?si=JnEUv8UXR6aoFhPJP965Mg
Google: https://bit.ly/3lNtXlH
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/jvf8HHr7DNa3mrUm6
As always, thanks for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and review if you like what you hear!

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Author: Nick Richard / The Leafs Nation

2 Guys and a Goalie pres. by Odds Shark Ep. 46 – Filling the Cracks with Kass

Welcome to “2 Guys and a Goalie,” starring Dustin Nielson, Joaquin Gage, and Matt Kassian and presented by Odds Shark, Popeye’s Louisiana Chicken, and Sport Clips Haircuts. The show focuses on stories, notes, transactions, and everything else happening all around the NHL and the world of hockey.
Today’s episode of 2 Guys and a Goalie was obvious a strange one as the guys had to try to make some sense out of everything that’s happening in the world right now as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Obviously, the NHL correctly decided to suspend its season and that’s made it difficult for hockey fans everywhere. Regardless, the show must go on and the boys wanted to get together and discuss what might come next as the world at large works through a strange time in history.
The Rundown for today’s show:
What the NHL is doing to in preparation for potentially getting back to work
What life is like without sports to talk about or watch
Wondering how on earth the Anaheim Ducks thought it was a good idea to place a player on waivers in the midst of a …

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Author: Nation World HQ / The Leafs Nation

2 Guys and a Goalie pres. by Odds Shark Ep. 45- “Cheveux de Cul”

Welcome to “2 Guys and a Goalie,” starring Dustin Nielson, Joaquin Gage, and Matt Kassian and presented by Odds Shark, Popeye’s Louisiana Chicken, and Sport Clips Haircuts. The show focuses on stories, notes, transactions, and everything else happening all around the NHL and the world of hockey.
Gager is back! The boys start things off discussing the Calgary Flames loss to the Vegas Golden Knights last night. They then chat about the Edmonton Oilers goaltending situation right now.
Popeyes Poll Question: Was Trading For Taylor Hall a mistake for the Arizona Coyotes
No
Yes
Former NHLer Shane Hnidy then calls in to discuss his role with the Vegas Golden Knights, how the team has changed the in-game experience, how the city has embraced the team, and what the arrival of the Raiders might mean. He also gives his thoughts on some of the Golden Knights’ of their struggles this season, their win over the Flames, how they’ve played since the surprise firing of Gerrard Gallant, and his thoughts on the rest of the Pacific division.
Keep It or Clip It:
The blueline is the strength for the Flames.
Bidet’s should be …

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Author: Nation World HQ / The Leafs Nation

Jordan Romano stands to capitalize from Rafael Dolis’ misfortune

One guy’s injury is another’s opportunity.

Earlier in the week, Rafael Dolis underwent a procedure to have his appendix removed. He’ll be out of action for a week and then the Blue Jays will re-assess him after that. Apparently, the timeline for recovery is anywhere between three to six weeks.
This is obviously really unfortunate for Dolis, a pitcher looking to make it back to the Major Leagues after spending four seasons in Japan. Given the fact Opening Day is just two-and-a-half weeks away (!!!), it seems very unlikely Dolis will be ready to travel north with the team. Of course, this isn’t going to be some season-altering thing for Dolis. It’s a misstep, but he’ll still surely play a big role on the team this year.
As of right now, the entire bullpen is up in the air save for Ken Giles, who, barring injury, will be the team’s closer. Dolis was one of the names who was expected to be tired out in a set-up role in the later innings, so we can scratch that name off the list for now. Again, really tough break …

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Author: Cam Lewis / Blue Jays Nation

2 Guys and a Goalie pres. by Odds Shark Ep. 44- “El Fuego Baño”

Welcome to “2 Guys and a Goalie,” starring Dustin Nielson, Joaquin Gage, and Matt Kassian and presented by Odds Shark, Popeye’s Louisiana Chicken, and Sport Clips Haircuts. The show focuses on stories, notes, transactions, and everything else happening all around the NHL and the world of hockey.
Gager is away again, but Tom Gazzola is back to fill the crease!
They get things started by discussing the Pacific division: The Calgary Flames come back late in the third to beat the Columbus Blue Jackets. Are the Edmonton Oilers sitting pretty? Are the Vancouver Canucks in danger of falling out of the playoffs?
Popeyes Poll Question: Who Will Win the Rocket Richard Trophy?
Auston Matthews
David Pastrnak
Alex Ovechkin
Scott Hastings from Odds Shark calls in to give Leon Draisaitl’s odds to win the Hart Trophy, who his favourite is to win the Campbell Trophy, why the Oilers are underdogs against the Chicago Blackhawks tonight.
Dusty then hosts the first edition of “2 Guys Super Trivia.”
Keep It or Clip It:
Growing moustaches like Auston Matthews will push the Toronto Maple Leafs to the next level.
It is totally acceptable to wear a cage in …

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Author: Nation World HQ / The Leafs Nation

2 Guys and a Goalie pres. by Odds Shark Ep. 43 – “No Brains”

Welcome to “2 Guys and a Goalie,” starring Dustin Nielson, Joaquin Gage, and Matt Kassian and presented by Odds Shark, Popeye’s Louisiana Chicken, and Sport Clips Haircuts. The show focuses on stories, notes, transactions, and everything else happening all around the NHL and the world of hockey.
The boys start things off chatting about the Vancouver Canucks four goal collapse in the third period against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and discuss the incredible season for Quinn Hughes.
Dusty reads some podcast review questions, and they then discuss Leon Draisaitl’s incredible season and being named the NHL’s Player of the Month for February. They also chat about the recent injuries that are effecting the Oilers’ lineup and who should get the majority of the starts for the Oilers down the stretch: Mikko Koskinen or Mike Smith.
Belle and Kass give their experience on being moved on trade deadline day.
Popeyes Poll Question: Will Draisaitl hit 50 goals?
No
Yes
Dusty then hosts another edition of Family Feud: “Top 5 NHL goaltender win leaders this season” and “Top 5 NHL goaltender loss leaders this season.”
Keep It or Clip It:
…

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Author: Nation World HQ / The Leafs Nation

2 Guys and a Goalie pres. by Odds Shark Ep. 40- “It Has Girth”

Welcome to “2 Guys and a Goalie,” starring Dustin Nielson, Joaquin Gage, and Matt Kassian and presented by Odds Shark, Popeye’s Louisiana Chicken, and Sport Clips Haircuts. The show focuses on stories, notes, transactions, and everything else happening all around the NHL and the world of hockey.
It’s the last episode before the NHL trade deadline, and Tom Gazzola is in to fill in for Kass.
They hit all seven Canadian teams ahead of the deadline.
They discuss the issues with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and whether their lack of effort is what’s holding them back, and what they need to turn it around.
Popeyes Poll Question: Should Kyle Dubas be fired if the Leafs miss the playoffs?
No
Yes
Then discuss the Ottawa Senators and what they’ll sell off for assets like JP Pageau or Tyler Ennis and the Montreal Canadiens like Ilya Kovalchuk, Tomas Tatar, or Jeff Petry.
Scott Hastings from Odds Shark calls in to discuss the odds for Leon Draisaitl winning the Hart Trophy, who is the favourite, and the over/under for trades made on deadline day.
Dusty then hosts another edition of Family Feud: Top …

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Author: Nation World HQ / The Leafs Nation

2 Guys and a Goalie pres. by Odds Shark Ep. 38- “Can I Touch The Hole Too?”

Welcome to “2 Guys and a Goalie,” starring Dustin Nielson, Joaquin Gage, and Matt Kassian and presented by Odds Shark, Popeye’s Louisiana Chicken, and Sport Clips Haircuts. The show focuses on stories, notes, transactions, and everything else happening all around the NHL and the world of hockey.
The boys start things off breaking down Darnell Nurse’s new two year contract with the Edmonton Oilers.
They then discuss the Popeyes Poll Question: What should the Montreal Canadiens do with Ilya Kovalchuk
Trade Him
Sign Him
They chat about the surging Winnipeg Jets, and the play of Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor.
TSN’s Darren Dreger then calls in to talk about what it takes to become an insider, the issues with the goaltending situation for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the risk involved for Nurse’s new contract, the Battle of Alberta, and who will be buyers and sellers at the trade deadline, and his new podcast with Ray Ferraro.
Keep It or Clip It:
If the Leafs don’t trade for a top-4 defenseman they will surely miss the post-season.
NHL ’94 is the greatest hockey video game of all time.
Tyler Toffoli …

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Author: Nation World HQ / The Leafs Nation

2 Guys and a Goalie pres. by Odds Shark Ep. 37-“Big Rubbers”

Welcome to “2 Guys and a Goalie,” starring Dustin Nielson, Joaquin Gage, and Matt Kassian and presented by Odds Shark, Popeye’s Louisiana Chicken, and Sport Clips Haircuts. The show focuses on stories, notes, transactions, and everything else happening all around the NHL and the world of hockey.
The boys start the show off breaking down the Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings trade, and discuss the value of having a true #1 goaltender.
They chat about Milan Lucic’s fight in his first game since the BOA.
Popeyes Poll Question: Can the Calgary Flames make the playoffs if Mark Giordano is out long-term?
Yes
No
They give their thoughts on the next contract for Darnell Nurse.
Scott Hastings from Odds Shark calls in to explain ways to get betting lines of where players might get traded to, the effect new players can have on a team’s odds, Alex Ovechkin’s over/under goal totals, and live betting.
Dusty then hosts another round of Family Feud: name the seven current players who have scored 50 goals or more.
This leads them into discussing whether or not the Montreal Canadiens should look into trading Ilya …

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Author: Nation World HQ / The Leafs Nation