Toronto Maple Leafs: What Was Mike Babcock Thinking?

The Toronto Maple Leafs played an afternoon game against the Boston Bruins on Easter Sunday.

For the Toronto Maple Leafs, their fans, and especially coach Mike Babcock, it was a total dud.

The Leafs had only six shots about halfway through the second period.

The referees, as is their want, where inconsistent and seemed to favor the Bruins.

The Leafs were given two early penalties – both rather lame, if memory serves – and the Bruins scored two power-play goals.

On the other hand, the Bruins were not called for similar infractions and at one point Zdeno Chara, aka the dirtiest player in the NHL, left his feet to smash Trevor Moore in the head.

Why would a seven foot monster jump in the air to hit a player approximately four feet shorter? How do two referees not see the play, and why is Chara going to play on Tuesday?

Don’t ask me, I’m just here for the free chips.

Game Six

This series would be over if the Toronto Maple Leafs could kill a penalty.  On the other hand, it’s encouraging that the Leafs have been the better team (on the whole) at 5v5.

Over time, this would balance out to make the Leafs a much better team. But it’s a seven game series and there isn’t that much time.  If you don’t kill penalties you can’t win a game.

Which brings me to Mike Babcock.

Mike Babcock has got to come up with some better strategies.  For instance, the power play is stale and Matthews is wasted on left wing.  Why does he load up the first unit only to take it off halfway through?  I’ve only asked this question six thousand times already!

Why does he continue to trot out the absolutely brutal Patrick Marleau? Marleau and Brown are terrible.  They have zero offense.  Moore and Ennis should immediately trade spots with them.

And what in the hell was Marleau doing on the ice so much down a goal? Why didn’t he shorten his bench earlier and better?

How can you justify having Tavares and Matthews – who combine for nearly $25 million (or will once Matthews’ new deal kicks in) sitting for half a period every time the team takes two penalties in succession?

How about you put somebody on the PK who plays centre?

Man, I am mad about that game. It was so winnable and the team played like crap.

The Bruins are ripe for the taking.  The fact that the Toronto Maple Leafs were even close to winning yesterday despite how bad they played proves it.  It’s their time. They just need to grab it.

And you know, also, wait until you have the ____ puck before you pull the goalie!!!!!