Weekly Takes - Monday, April 14 Edition
- RyanEakin
- Apr 13, 2025
- 3 min read
My three stars from the Leafs awful loss to the Panthers on Tuesday…
Joseph Woll
Nick Robertson
Matthew Knies
Robertson was the only skater that stuck out to me. Just an awful performance.
But the Leafs can redeem themselves and all but wrap up the division with a big performance against Tampa Bay. Let’s see what they are made out of. The “back to back” excuse won’t fly when this was the effort on the first half of it.
It will be their biggest regular season game since their playoff-clinching win over Pittsburgh in 2017.
2. My three stars from the Leafs massive overtime win over the Lightning on Wednesday…
Knies
Mitch Marner
Auston Matthews
The Leafs top line was incredible, with Marner having now officially done everything he could do to show he will be a different player come playoff time.
A loss would have been devastating for the morale heading into the playoffs. A win should do the opposite.
An outstanding performance when they needed it most.
3. My three stars from the Leafs big overtime win over the Habs on Saturday, to all but lock up the division…
Robertson
Chris Tanev
Simon Benoit
Robertson has had a great week. He deserves to be in the lineup come game one.
A ton of credit to the five defenceman in this game too, highlighted by Tanev and Benoit. Benoit has outperformed Philipe Meyers since Meyers has come back into the lineup.
With the playoffs starting on the weekend, here is what my lineup would be in game one for the Leafs…
Forwards…
Knies - Matthews - Marner
Bobby McMann - Tavares - William Nylander
Max Domi - Scott Laughton - Robertson
Max Pacioretty - David Kampf - Calle Jarnkrok
Defence…
Jake McCabe - Tanev
Morgan Riley - Brandon Carlo
Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Benoit
Goaltending…
Anthony Stolarz
Woll
I love the goaltending and the defence, minus 3RD.
Offensively, I am as confident as I can be in the top-six, while I think the third line if sheltered can provide secondary scoring.
Jarnkrok should be on a short leash at 4RW, though. He has not been good.
With the NHL season nearing completion, here is the list of general managers and head coaches that I would fire…
General Manager…
Don Sweeney (Bruins)
Keyvn Adams (Sabres)
Kyle Davidson (Blackhawks)
Lou Lamoriello (Islanders)
Chris Drury (Rangers)
Patrick Alivin (Canucks)
Head Coaches…
Joe Sacco (Bruins)
Andrew Brunette (Predators)
Peter Laviolette (Rangers)
With the NBA regular season complete, here is the list of general managers and head coaches that I would fire…
General Managers…
Sean Marks (Nets) (He has simply been in charge for too long with no success)
Nico Harrison (Mavs)
Elton Brand (76ers)
James Jones (Suns)
Head Coaches…
Doc Rivers (Bucks)
Willie Green (Pelicans)
My NBA Playoffs Predictions…
Eastern Conference…
Play-In…
Magic beat Hawks (7 Seed)
Bulls beat Heat
Hawks beat Bulls (8 Seed)
Round One…
Cavs beat Hawks in 4
Celtics beat Magic in 5
Knicks beat Pistons in 5
Pacers beat Bucks in 6
Round Two…
Cavs beat Pacers in 6
Celtics beat Knicks in 6
Round Three…
Celtics beat Cavs in 7
Western Conference…
Play-In…
Warriors beat Grizzlies (7 Seed)
Mavericks beat Kings
Mavericks beat Grizzlies (8 Seed)
Round One…
Thunder beat Mavericks in 5
Warriors beat Rockets in 7
Lakers beat Timberwolves in 7
Nuggets beat Clippers in 7
Round Two…
Thunder beat Nuggets in 6
Lakers beat Warriors in 7
Round Three…
Thunder beat Lakers in 6
NBA Final…
Thunder beat Celtics in 7
Rory Mcllrory’s Masters win is the ultimate sports story.
When he collapsed on his back nine on Thursday, it felt as though he’d never win a Green Jacket. Likewise when he started his Sunday poorly, and likewise when he missed his putt on 18.
The ultimate rollercoaster athlete.
Finally.
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