if the jackets are healthy? watch out.

Defensive play often takes longer to tighten up compared to offense. One is a repetition thing, while the other is feel and skill. TO being healthy and have so many more guns than Columbus should give them the edge.

On paper, yes. On the ice where it matters, probably not. That is why we play the games though. To find out.

With both teams healthy, and in a short series, I would give the edge to CBJ without question. They play a smothering defensive system that will frustrate the Leafs.

I guess we will see what this team is really made of when they drop the puck.

The Leafs beat Columbus every time this season didn't they

Yes. Any team can beat any other team.

3/4 points lost in overtime the 2nd meeting but Tavares was missing that game cause of injury and they won via penalty shot. In general Leafs got 3/4 points when Columbus was healthy then a month later the injury train hit them

If this team doesn’t beat CBJ, Dubas is going to have a very difficult offseason

I think that there are a few things that will give the Leafs the edge in this series.
1. It won't be typical playoff hockey, the refs aren't going to let the things go that are normally allowed come playoffs due to everyone coming back after a long break.
2. While both teams will be healthy the Leafs d-corp will be back at full health which it was really only there during their December in which they had a great run.
3. It's easier to come out guns blazing after a long break than get back to stingy defense. Teams score more goals early in the season.
4. Game breakers and an experienced goalie. The Blue Jackets are a good team with good players (I recognize Jones and Werenski are more then good but...) The leafs have more guys that are able to take over a game and in a short series that could essential.

But of course this is all speculation

ii

All valid points here. Well said.

There really isn't any point in pulling it all apart at this time anyways.

Like I said... That is why they play the games. We will find out in time what they are made of.

If Roberston plays you burn one year.Thats a big problem.

Columbus had a great first half of the season despite losing a ton of talent from last year's team and their starting goalie. They had a terrible last month, won only 3 of 15 games (giving up 52 goals) and were more than likely going to drop out of the playoffs over the final 12 games of the season. So they aren't this defensive juggernaut that people are making them out to be. With that being said in this scenario it's impossible to predict who is going to win any of these series. Who knows, the Leafs could even beat the Bruins!

Robertson won't be in the lineup. He is there because the Leafs can carry a number of extra bodies and it's a great learning/development opportunity for him. It's also a great opportunity for the Leafs to evaluate him on an extended daily basis going head to head with men as well as have him in their weight room working with their strength coaches everyday.

With the NHL Slide Rule in place, he would have to play more than nine games in the playoffs for that to take effect.

I don't think that the Leafs have to worry about reaching that amount of games in the playoffs this season. (Not trying to be negative with that statement, it is just that I don't think that this is their year).

If Robertson does play, and that threshold of games is passed, the team may be well into the second or even possibly third round at that point. So, you have to ask if it was worth it. The answer would most likely be yes.

I am not worried about it one bit to be honest.

This young group making it into round three would be well worth the sacrifice of one year of an ELC for a single player IMO.

Are you sure?

100%. That would be immeasurable experience for a young team. Robertson included.

I really doubt he plays anyways. Who comes out?

Unless there are significant injuries to skilled players I doubt he plays at all. He would be wasted too far down the lineup and I cannot see him displacing anyone not already in the top nine as an 18 year old as the team stands right now for this playoff.