For those that don't know, we in Leafland have a term that sums up the Leafs and things that seem almost unique to the franchise. That term is "Leafy."
Lea-fy : To have the universe bend its reality in the most stupid and improbable way possible, but also seem to predictable
Last nights 2-1 win over the purple man Keefe's Devils was extremely "Leafy." They got outplayed and spanked up and down the ice and captured victory from the jaws of inevitable loss with one moment of flukiness. They were outshot 39-16 and while that doesn't always tell the story, this was not the case. They got outplayed for about 90% of the game. Both teams Power Kills were atrocious and both got some of their best chances shorthanded. Praise Allah for Anthony Stolarz who continued his amazing first season with the Leafs.
Why Philippe? - Injuries happen and we still don't have any real news on McCabe's health, but I'm pretty done with Myers. Again, he is what he is...a waiver level defenseman...but I'm fine with not seeing him out there. He doesn't do anything well except be tall. He played a season low 14 minutes and looked awkward and pointless. I think the only reason that Rafai isn't on the Leafs is that they would lose him on waivers when McCabe comes back.
O'Rielly?- Speaking of Myers. They weren't paired the entire game by Rielly continues to prove that while he is a very good defenseman, he simply isn't a guy like Hedman who can carry 6th defensemen to looking serviceable. To have success as a team, they really need to find a consistent guy for him to play, especially as Berube does not seem to want to play him with Tanev.
Captain Clutch - In a game where Matthews did not look the greatest, he still managed to win the game with a sick breakaway. He has 8 points in the 6 games he's played since his return and while. He's playing a lot and he's showing flashes, but he's definitely not have the Hart season of yesteryear.
No PIMS! - OEL didn't get a penalty. I am shocked. I don't which ref's wife he slept with, but he has been a magnet for calls since shedding his Panthers jersey for the Blue and White.
Next up is some Hockey Night in Canada against the middling Red Wings. Despite all of Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon's efforts, the Wings really haven't taken the next step we keep telling ourselves they will. The defensive depth just doesn't seem to be getting it done and you really wonder Newsy Lalonde is the next guy to get the bullet if they don't turn it around.
Thanks for reading.