Monday’s FTB Chat: Itching for a huge divisional showdown

In the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first measuring stick game this year against divisional leader and Stanley Cup favourite — the Tampa Bay Lightning — the Leafs played them tough but fell just short in a 2-0 home loss. It was both encouraging to see them mostly keep pace, but a bit disheartening at all the little ways Tampa seemed to be better.

Then in the second measuring stick game, the Leafs blitzed ahead 3-0 by the halfway point of the game. William Nylander looked great, the offense was seemingly taking it to the Lightning, and all seemed to be in control. Then the Lightning tied it up after 2 goals within the first minute and change of the third period, only for the Leafs to pull ahead and stay ahead for the 4-3 win. In this game, the Leafs seemed a bit better and the Bolts seemed a bit worse.

Then in the third measuring stick game, the Leafs played another close game but lost 4-3 in a shootout in Tampa Bay.

What I’m trying to say is, I’m not aware of any measuring stick that’s used to track a god damned slinky.