Hefty, Hefty, Hefty
A long standing criticism of the Toronto Maple Leafs is that they are a soft team that is easy to intimidate by dominating them physically.
In response to those with big mouths the Toronto Maple Leafs were vocal coming into the season about wanting to ditch their soft reputation.
When even the team acknowledges it's a problem, it's a problem.
Well no more were these pushovers going to be pushed over.
Men Or Mice
Watching superstar William Nylander get angry and take a retaliation penalty in their loss to the worst team in the league the other night was uncharacteristic and drew accolades from critics.
I know I was impressed.
Seeing that reminded me to check up on how the Leafs have been doing in the physicality department this year.
Last I checked, the Leafs were 23rd overall in the league.
And as of today, the Toronto Maple Leafs are..... 23rd overall in the league, with 1166 hits.
That puts them fifth in their division. The only teams with less? Florida, Montreal, and Buffalo.
Three teams that aren't even in the playoffs.
Playoffs Pansies Get Pasted
How are these softies ever going to beat the Tampa Bay Lightning when they meet in the playoffs again?
Tampa is a hard hitting team. They're twelfth in the league right now with 1253 hits. Boston is right behind them with 1229.
Both these teams are known for an aggressive forecheck and wearing down the opposition by finishing their hits.
The Leafs don't have that reputation.
Everybody is saying the Leafs need to trade for Timo Meier. Why would Timo Meier ever come on this team? Timo Meier wants to be on a contending team.
If Timo Meier wanted to be on a soft losing team he would just stay in San Jose.
It All Starts At The Top.
Soft GM.
Soft coach.
Soft players.
Soft team.
The country club is wide open. No one has to work hard for their job. Get paid millions for being a glorified figure skater.
There are far too many Toronto Maple Leafs players with all their teeth.
Too many opponents leave the Scotiabank Arena will all their teeth too. These guys need to step up in the manliness department. Boys don't win Stanley Cups.
Men do.
As far as I'm concerned, for whatever that's worth, hockey players don't get to be called men until they grow a full playoffs beard.
I haven't seen any of these baby faced wannabe's with more than a bit of scruff so far. I honestly doubt this pampered posse of pusillanimous players capable of sporting a playoff patch anyway. Wear that bare chin with honour boys.
You earned it.