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Reactions: Toronto/Ottawa Posted: Saturday April 15, 2000 12:23 PM
This All-Canadian series has CNNSI.com users split over who will advance toward the Stanley Cup finals. Most seem to feel that the match-up is the best of any first-round series this year and will take six or seven games for a winner to emerge. Tom Barrasso and Co. won the series 3-1-1 in the regular season. For Toronto to take the series, users feel Curtis Joseph will need to play mistake-free defense. A collection of some of the most interesting predictions follows: Toronto is going to win the series for a number of reasons. Curtis Joseph can make up for some of the defensive mistakes that the young Leaf defenders are bound to make. Toronto's offense, which consists of six 20+goal scorers will easily break down the Senator defense especially since they will be without Wade Redden. Tom Barasso in goal is also a plus for the Leafs because they showed that they can beat him last year and this year, he'll be beaten again.
The Sens in six. If anyone has watched any of the games this year, they know that Toronto simply can't cope with Ottawa's forecheck. The Leafs give up way too many turnovers in the neutral zone against ANY given team, but against a team whose offense is based on creating those turnovers, a brick wall in net may not win them the series. Having watched all five of the games, only once did the Leafs outplay the Senators in terms of scoring chances, shots on goal and possession in the offensive zone. Some forget that Barrasso stole a playoff series as recently as last year. The Senators are a much better team in front of him. Though he doesn't match up with Cujo overall, the fact he will face about one-fifth of the scoring chances that Cujo will evens that score.
Senators have the slim advantage because of their outstanding defense, however, I think it will be a six or seven game series with the Sens coming out on top. With the Leafs always playing a offensive-style game, the Sens can sit back, play good defense and wait for the turnovers, but the Leafs have a great playoff goalie who can make clutch saves. Barrasso raises his level of play in the playoffs as well, but I'm not sure if he can match Joseph's intensity.
I'm disappointed this matchup is occurring so early in the playoffs. It will be an exciting series, but I would have preferred it happen in the 3rd round. The games will be fast and intense, considering Toronto's hunger for the cup after 30yrs+ and Ottawa's desire to redeem themselves after last year's early exit from the playoffs.Toronto has a fast and hard hitting game. Ottawa should be able to compensate with their solid work ethic and patience for good scoring opportunities. It should be an evenly matched series, with a lot of 1 goal games. Toronto wins in 7.
It won't be quick (6 or 7 games) but the Leafs will come out on top of this one. They have a lot to settle with Ottawa: Berard-Hossa, Perreault-Barrasso. Ottawa has done too much whining this year with Rod Bryden's bankrupcy claims, are we staying are we going?, the Yashin fiasco, etc. I think the Leafs (they have to stay healthy!) will put this baby to sleep and we won't have to hear about Ottawa until next season.
This series will boil down to which team makes the fewest mistakes. On paper, the Leafs have the better team with more skilled players. They also have last year's playoff experience to build upon. The Senators thrive on taking advantage of their opponent’s defensive mistakes and mental lapses. Their major problem is lack of toughness and the willingness to play a physical game if necessary. I think the Leafs will win the series if they play well defensively and Cujo comes up with the big saves at the right time.
Toronto in six. Why? Because the Senators are not a playoff team yet. They lack the discipline to play a round of hockey without beating themselves. Ottawa's "trap-system" will back-fire due to Pat Quinn's ability to create and implement new strategies within a day or two. Ottawa's a great team, but they're only a 'good' team come playoff time. Toronto's a great team, and has the ability to handle the playoff pressure.
The Leafs have a much stronger offense, and if Sundin and Kristich start scoring more, they'll win the series easily. Also, the Leafs have Joseph, who is probably tired from overuse, but he still can win against Tom Barasso. My pick: Leafs in 6 games.
Ottawa has had to overcome so much adversity this year. They know how to press pass controversy and focus on the task at hand. Jacques Martin has the ability to inspire and cultivate a "team philosophy" while the Leafs and Pat Quinn have a "woe is me, life is unfair attitude". The Senators are workers...the Leafs are complainers. Sens in six.
The move to bring Tom Barrasso in for fan-favorite Ron Tugnutt has and will really hurt the Sens. Not only is Barrasso inconsistent, but he just adds more fuel to the already out-of-control fire that is hockey in the nation's capital. Leafs in five.
Ultimately the best series to watch in the first round of this year’s playoffs. The Leafs have the goaltender, and the somewhat powerful scoring, while the Sens have the speed and consistency. I chose Toronto for this round simply because of Cujo and the injuries Ottawa has recently suffered. If Joesph can step up, the buds should take the series in six games, although Ottawa could catch the leafs napping, but it seems unlikely especially with toronto's veteran crew of Thomas, Sundin, Berezin and Tucker. Anyways like the all Canadian match-up. Go Leafs go!
Sure, Toronto won the first game because Joseph was both hot and lucky. But the Sens outplayed the Leafs in every department, including goaltending. The Sens are a classier team with a better coach. They'll be back in game two and go on to win the series.
Leafs win? Gimme a break! Do Leaf fans actually believe the drought (since 1967) can be broken? Curtis "who-is-amazing-but-gives-up-watermelon-sized-rebounds" Joseph is the only reason this series may go 6 or 7. Sundin is a dirty, cheap shot player and Tie Domi...well, his name spells Me Idiot - that about says it all. Steve Thomas is done. The only bright spot may be Andropov. Where is Sergei Berezin? Poor Leaf fans. They always have such hope.
Ottawa has outplayed Toronto all season long, winning the series 3-1-1. If the Sens can solve CuJo as they have most the season, it should be a short series. Ottawa moves on in 6.
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