Looks like the Ballard Curse is creeping back.
The motivation was there last night, The drive, the desire but the millstone around their neck dragged them down. Slow the Leafs to a crawl.
Too credit them with a period of good play would be a gross exaggeration. They were miserable, except for one shining star, goalie Joe Woll. He was briliant. Outstanding. Save the game from making the Leafs look shameful. But one player cannot save the team.
That’s one of the things that was missing from last night’s game…the team! Every player played his heart out but individual play will not beat the Florida Panthers.
The only thing that will defeat the Panthers is what the Leafs skated out on to the ice in games #1 and 2…team play, joined effort, united play. It wasn’t there last night. In fact, stupidity was playing. FOUR penalties in the first period. What the hell did they expect, a miracle? Woll almost gave them one. If it weren’t for Woll, this game would have been a shameful embarrassment for the Leafs.
30-13 shots on goal at one point, 60-29 the number of hits in what was a physical mismatch for the Leafs. The Leafs flew home with their tails between their legs. Coach Berube should have lambasted these guys but it’s not his style. He’s got two Stanley Cup rings in his jewellry box. These Leafs got none!
No point in belabouring the obvious. The Leafs have to come out shooting in Game 5….shoot, shoot shoot, hit, hit, hit….and play with each other as teammates. Each guy must do his job, play like there’s no tomorrow…and there won’t be in two games.
If the same Leafs come out on the ice the next game, kiss that one good bye and back in Florida, the Leafs will kneel down vanquished, beat and defeated.
Is the Ballard Curse creeping back? Will it remain on the ice? It’s up to the Leaf TEAM to prove they control destiny, not Harold.
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