Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

[SENS_AK27]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Oof, why sim? You were so close.

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Oof, why sim? You were so close.

I hit advance day by accident :/ quite upset. I admit I quit playing then

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Oof, why sim? You were so close.

I have to be honest, this was the first time I was ever tempted to load an old save and redo it LOL (I'm not going to)

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

LEAFS HOST PENGUINS, LOOKING TO END LOSING SKID; ZUCKER RETURNS

Toronto Maple Leafs (34-15-4)
Vs
Pittsburgh Penguins (32-13-8)
February 8 2021

Jason Zucker will return to the lineup as the Leafs look to end their 3 game losing skid Against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Leafs were enjoying a 16 game winning streak which Florida Panthers broke with a 4-2 victory. Since then, Buffalo (7-2 L) & Calgary (5-4 L) have gotten the better of the team. The team looks to right the ship as they close out the homestand

Pittsburgh is first in the Metropolitan, although not by much; the Philadelphia Flyers are just one point behind them. Pittsburgh is also tied with the Maple Leafs for first in conference and league!

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

LEAFS HOST PENGUINS, LOOKING TO END LOSING SKID; ZUCKER RETURNS

Toronto Maple Leafs (34-15-4)
Vs
Pittsburgh Penguins (32-13-8)
February 8 2021

Jason Zucker will return to the lineup as the Leafs look to end their 3 game losing skid Against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Leafs were enjoying a 16 game winning streak which Florida Panthers broke with a 4-2 victory. Since then, Buffalo (7-2 L) & Calgary (5-4 L) have gotten the better of the team. The team looks to right the ship as they close out the homestand

Pittsburgh is first in the Metropolitan, although not by much; the Philadelphia Flyers are just one point behind them. Pittsburgh is also tied with the Maple Leafs for first in conference and league!

Game Lineups

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Pittsburgh Penguins
February 8 2021

Toronto Maple Leafs:

Matthews-Tavares-Marner
Zucker-Kerfoot-Nylander
Bratt-Compher-Vanek
Nygard-Steen-Korshkov

Reilly-Liljegren
Brodin-Byfuglien
Sandin-Phaneuf

Starter: Henrik Lundqvist
Backup: Frederik Andersen


Pittsburgh Penguins

Malkin-Crosby-Guentzel
Simon-Malgin-Hinostroza
Aston Reese-McCann-Rust
Shaw-Koivu-Williams

Marino-Letang
Pettersson-Dumoulin
Joseph-Miller

Starter: Tristan Jarry
Backup: Alexandar Georgiev

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

LEAFS END LOSING SKID; TAVARES WITH 4 POINTS

John Tavares scored a hat trick and added an assist to help Henrik Lundqvist and the Leafs overcome a shaky start to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 7-3

After allowing the first goal just 40 seconds into the game, on a Jake Geuntzel shot, and allowing 2 goals on 3 shots (Denis Malgin would add one at 6:25), it looked like Henrik Lundqvist may get pulled early in the first. But he would settle down as the period went on.

Fortunately Toronto's offense was its usual potent self, and scored 3 goals in the first to Pittsburghs 2, courtesy of William Nylander (4:16), Auston Matthews (7:33) and John Tavares (19:19) to give the Leafs a 3-2 lead going into the second period

Jake Guentzel would score again at 2:21 to tie it but Jesper Bratt would give the Leafs the lead at 5:40, a lead the Leafs would not relinquish.

John Tavares would score his second just 57 seconds into the third period to make it 5-3. The rest of the period saw Pittsburgh pushing to tie it and the Leafs defense scrambling to hold them.

At 19:25, with Pittsburghs net empty, John Tavares would complete the hat trick and you would think that would be it.

But 6 seconds later, a faceoff win and a defensive turnover in the offensive Zone allowed Tavares & Matthews combining to score a beautiful one timer goal that Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry had no chance on for the 7-3 final

The Leafs top line would combine for a whopping 4 goals and 10 points (12 if you factor in Morgan Reilly and Timothy Liljegren)

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

TRAVIS HAMONIC RETURNS
February 18 2021

Travis Hamonic looks to make his return against the Anaheim Ducks tonight

Hamonic, 30, has missed the last 16 games due to injury and he looks eager to return, after missing half of the historic streak

"Anytime you miss a run like that, it hurts." Says Travis "But of course they're a resilient bunch, and they found ways to win even when half a dozen of us or so were out. I'm glad to be back to make another attempt at making history"

Hamonic will likely start on the bottom pairing with Rasmus Sandin. Head coach Jacob Smaby will look to shelter his minutes as he gets his feet under him and get the residual feelings out, and he didn't want to disrupt the current chemistry in the Top 4. Dion Phaneuf will come out of the lineup - he has 2 goals and 9 points in 33 games

*Note the game stupidly summed past the game before I could stop it (I was simming off days). We ended up winning 5-3

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS ACQUIRE ALEX TUCH FROM VEGAS; SEND JASON ZUCKER TO KNIGHTS

In a straight one-for-one trade, the Maple Leafs aquired Alex Tuch from the Las Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Jason Zucker.

Tuch has 14 goals and 34 points and a -6, but he was playing for a much weaker Vegas, where he was tasked with doing more than he could. With Toronto's forward depth, the pressure won't be as thick on him. Plus, at just 24, he is also younger than Jason Zucker. The only downside is his 4 year contract but again with him being just 24, that'll make him 28, mid-prime years.

He will slot in on the second line with Nylander & Kerfoot

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS ACQUIRE ALEX TUCH FROM VEGAS; SEND JASON ZUCKER TO KNIGHTS

In a straight one-for-one trade, the Maple Leafs aquired Alex Tuch from the Las Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Jason Zucker.

Tuch has 14 goals and 34 points and a -6, but he was playing for a much weaker Vegas, where he was tasked with doing more than he could. With Toronto's forward depth, the pressure won't be as thick on him. Plus, at just 24, he is also younger than Jason Zucker. The only downside is his 4 year contract but again with him being just 24, that'll make him 28, mid-prime years.

He will slot in on the second line with Nylander & Kerfoot

Personal Note: The day I picked up Tuch he initiated a Player Conversation.

He was complaining about his ice time. I am having to deal with the ice time Vegas gave him [emoji849][emoji34][emoji35][emoji2959]

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

LEAFS HOST BOSTON; TUCH TO MAKE LEAFS DEBUT

February 26 2021

Toronto Maple Leafs (41-15-5)

Vs

Boston Bruins (35-24-2)

Alex Tuch will be in the lineup against the Boston Bruins, the first of a back to back, a day after being acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Jason Zucker.

Alex, 24, will play right wing on the second line with William Nylander and Auston Matthews. Alexander Kerfoot will play on the top line with Tavares & Marner.

Frederik Andersen will start tonight. With the trade deadline looming, a lot of players will be evaluated over the next two games over potential trade value. Only minor changes would be expected, given the teams current success.

Finding someone to work on the 4th line with Nygard & Steen would be helpful; Yegor Korshkov is doing admirable but he is too big and slow for the speedy Nygard & Steen. He also doesn't have the best skating or hands. Ilya Mihkeyev would be a good option but he's been out long term - he's played just 26 games this season

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

LEAFS HOST BOSTON; TUCH TO MAKE LEAFS DEBUT

February 26 2021

Toronto Maple Leafs (41-15-5)

Vs

Boston Bruins (35-24-2)

Alex Tuch will be in the lineup against the Boston Bruins, the first of a back to back, a day after being acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Jason Zucker.

Alex, 24, will play right wing on the second line with William Nylander and Auston Matthews. Alexander Kerfoot will play on the top line with Tavares & Marner.

Frederik Andersen will start tonight. With the trade deadline looming, a lot of players will be evaluated over the next two games over potential trade value. Only minor changes would be expected, given the teams current success.

Finding someone to work on the 4th line with Nygard & Steen would be helpful; Yegor Korshkov is doing admirable but he is too big and slow for the speedy Nygard & Steen. He also doesn't have the best skating or hands. Ilya Mihkeyev would be a good option but he's been out long term - he's played just 26 games this season

Game Lineups

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins
February 26 2021

Toronto Maple Leafs

Kerfoot-Tavares-Marner
Nylander-Matthews-Tuch
Bratt-Compher-Vanek
Nygard-Steen-Korshkov

Reilly-Liljegren
Brodin-Byfuglien
Sandin-Hamonic

Starter: Frederik Andersen
Backup: Henrik Lundqvist

Boston Bruins:

Debrusk-Bergeron-Pastranak
Bjork-Studnicka-Fast
Kuraly-Sutter-Petan
Forsbacka Karlsson-Frederic-H. Nikkanen

Krug-McAvoy
Grzelcyk-Carlo
Vaakanainen-Ceci

Starter: Cam Talbot
Backup: Michael DiPietro

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

PENALTIES, DEFENSIVE TURNOVERS PROVE FATAL TO LEAFS

Patrice Bergeron and Torey Krug would score two PowerPlay goals late in the first to help the Boston Bruins edge the Toronto Maple 3-2.

What started as a defensive battle quickly turned south when Jesper Bratt and Alex Steen - a key penalty killer - took consecutive penalties. This led to a Bruins 5-on-3 which they capitalized on.

An early second period penalty to Morgan Reilly could have been game breaking, but the Leafs penalty killing unit had enough of being scored on, and decided to do some scoring themselves. Joakim Nygard would score first at 5:33 and JT Compher would add another 32 seconds later to tie the game

Early in the third, a defensive lapse allowed Patrice Bergeron and Jake Debrusk entry into the offensive Zone almost unhindered. A quick one timer goal later, the Bruins are up 3-2.

The Leafs would press, but they would also have a number of defensive turnovers. Dustin Byfuglien in particular was so careless with the puck he ended up being benched for the final 5 minutes of the game. Boston's Cam Talbot would finish with 30 saves on 32 shots

This ends the Leafs win streak at 4. Frederik Andersen made 19 saves on 22 shots. Look for Henrik Lundqvist to start tomorrow's game.

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

LEAFS DEAL BYFUGLIEN; ACQUIRE BOUWMEESTER, 2021 1ST ROUND PICK

General Manager Kyle Dubas announced today that veteran defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has been traded to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, and 1st & 2nd Round Picks in the 2021 Draft.

Also heading to Washington is unsigned prospect Charlie Desrochers and a 2021 3rd Round Pick

Byfuglien, 35, was on an expiring contract and already expressed a desire to test free agency. Although the loss of his physical play will be felt, it's felt the combination of Jonas Brodin, Travis Hamonic and Jay Bouwmeester should be able to handle the physical play.

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Monthly Recap - February 2021

Monthly Record: 9-4-1
Overall Record: 42-16-5 (89 Points)

Division: 1st
Conference: 1st
League: 1st

Goal Leaders:
•Auston Matthews: 34
•John Tavares: 31
•William Nylander: 24
•Mitch Karner: 22
•Jesper Bratt: 16

Points Leaders:
•Auston Matthews: 79
•John Tavares: 69
•Mitch Marner: 64
•Morgan Reilly: 59
•William Nylander: 54

Plus/Minus Leaders:
•Mitch Marner: +33
•A. Matthews/M. Reilly: +30
•John Tavares: +17
•Travis Hamonic: +15
•Joakim Nygard: +14

Goalie Stats (Monthly Stats are Games Played with Leafs)

Frederik Andersen - 42 Games Played
Record: 27-11-3
Shutouts: 3
Save Percentage: 0.889%
Goals Against Average: 3.37

Henrik Lundqvist - 8 Games Played
Record: 7-1-0
Shutouts: 0
Save Percentage: 0.917%
Goals Against Average: 2.38

Matt Murray - 1 Game Played
Record: 1-0-0
Shutouts: 0
Save Percentage: 0.952
Goals Against Average: 1.00


•Storylines:
√Defensive Issues: Turnovers cost the Leafs in numerous occasions, either ruining leads or allowing opponents to run away with the game and prevent the Leafs from coming back. These need to be addressed as we head into playoffs

√Presidents Trophy Hunt: The Leafs are in a 4-Way Duel with the Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers for first place in both the Eastern Conference and the League itself. Only 4 points seperate 1st and 4th.

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

ANDERSEN OUT FOR 3 WEEKS

TRANSACTION ALERTS

•Ilya Mikheyev, upon returning from injury, was quickly the odd man out based on his scheme fit. Rookie Yegor Korshkov has taken his spot and refused to relinquish. This led to Ilya Mihkeyev being put through waivers in an attempt to send him to the minors

Unfortunately that didn't work. Arizona, taking advantage of a depth Heavy Leafs, picked him up

•Frederik Andersen, having just returned from Injury, got injured again and this time will be our until April 1st. Henrik Lundqvist will be the de facto starter moving forward with Matt Murray sliding in as backup