number17
Mod Squad
The last time the Leafs won 7 in a row was in 2003, so we could be on the best streak we've been on in 10 years with a W tonight.
The thing with these streaks is, sometimes you manage to beat what is deemed a tough opponent, but then fall to a team you think you can easily beat ... tonight might be one of those nights.
Dallas has gone 2-7-1 over past 10 games, and on paper it's a team we can beat. Statistically, after the hot start, Dallas is only 1 game above .500 after 50 games, and sits on the outside looking in the playoff picture in the West.
Realistically though, Dallas still has more weapons than they need if they are to end our streak tonight. First of all, Seguin (no I don't expect any "Thank you Kessel" chant tonight) has put together a breakout season, basically going PPG as the 1st line center in Dallas, and leading the team in G, A and Pts. Him and Benn form one of the best dynamic duo in the league. Holland, or whoever our checking line center is tonight, has got their work cut out for them.
And that is CRITICAL work to tonight's 2 points, because if you can shut down Seguin + Benn, you shut down Dallas. Dallas has no secondary offense, with Cole sitting on 3rd in team scoring with under .500 PPG pace.
Gonchar, who's finally playing like his age, is unfortunately also their best defenseman. Lehtonen and his .915SV% is also the only goalie they have over .900 SV%.
If we play our game like we did the past few games, and continue to use our speed and offense and jump to an early lead, we CAN indeed extent out win streak to 7 games. Far too many times we've seen this team fall flat on our face with those chances though ... so let's hope tonight is another step we build our team confidence.
Go Leafs Go!!!
The thing with these streaks is, sometimes you manage to beat what is deemed a tough opponent, but then fall to a team you think you can easily beat ... tonight might be one of those nights.
Dallas has gone 2-7-1 over past 10 games, and on paper it's a team we can beat. Statistically, after the hot start, Dallas is only 1 game above .500 after 50 games, and sits on the outside looking in the playoff picture in the West.
Realistically though, Dallas still has more weapons than they need if they are to end our streak tonight. First of all, Seguin (no I don't expect any "Thank you Kessel" chant tonight) has put together a breakout season, basically going PPG as the 1st line center in Dallas, and leading the team in G, A and Pts. Him and Benn form one of the best dynamic duo in the league. Holland, or whoever our checking line center is tonight, has got their work cut out for them.
And that is CRITICAL work to tonight's 2 points, because if you can shut down Seguin + Benn, you shut down Dallas. Dallas has no secondary offense, with Cole sitting on 3rd in team scoring with under .500 PPG pace.
Gonchar, who's finally playing like his age, is unfortunately also their best defenseman. Lehtonen and his .915SV% is also the only goalie they have over .900 SV%.
If we play our game like we did the past few games, and continue to use our speed and offense and jump to an early lead, we CAN indeed extent out win streak to 7 games. Far too many times we've seen this team fall flat on our face with those chances though ... so let's hope tonight is another step we build our team confidence.
Go Leafs Go!!!
