The Toronto Maple Leafs finally look like a playoff team. Detractors have always pointed out their lack of grit or star players coming up small in big moments. Many of their corps players remain from past playoff failures, but they look different. Adding in a sprinkle of experience and calm brought by the likes of Ryan O’Reilly and Luke Schenn, management might have ultimately hit on the right recipe. A dash of youth and skill from Matthew Knies has also provided a spark.
Of course, there is a long way to go in the Stanley Cup playoffs, but fans of the club have to be pleasantly surprised by what they have seen during the last two games of the series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Since the debacle of Game 1, star players have piled up points and goaltender Ilya Samonsov has provided important saves at key moments. Yet, the most noticeable difference is the overall team toughness throughout the lineup. This is a trait that has long plagued this group but now the Leafs finally look like a playoff team.
Leafs Show Some Grit
A lack of grit or resolve has long been associated as the main problem with the Leafs. Their skill and talent have never transitioned to postseason play. They wouldn’t go to the “dirty” areas to score goals, wouldn’t block shots, or wouldn’t stick up for teammates. While that’s a simple, short-sighted criticism, grit has become a team-wide trait. Contributions are being made on the scoresheet and off from the top of the roster to the bottom.
Auston Matthews’ Game 3 goal came from a tip-in during a net-front battle. He also reluctantly had his first National Hockey League fight after being part of a group of teammates defending Morgan Rielly during a scrum. In the same game, O’Reilly blocked a shot with seconds remaining before the end of the third period of a tie game.
Early in Game 2, a must-win for the Leafs, Mark Giordano’s fight helped send a message to the Lightning and, in the process, lift his teammates. Later, Schenn fought Tanner Jeannot in a lively back-and-forth bout that electrified Scotiabank Arena. During the Game 3 melee, Schenn stood in front of his team’s bench absorbing a verbal onslaught from antagonizing Lightning players. With a wry smirk, his body language suggested, “We’re here and not going anywhere.”
The Leafs Have Been Successful During Key Moments
A timely save. An important goal. A successful penalty kill. In years past, a sense of gloom would hover over this team. Just when it appeared they had turned a corner, an inevitable collapse would happen. Game 3 was the type of game that past editions of the team would lose. Head coach Sheldon Keefe recognized this. A last-minute tying goal would be followed by a heartbreaking overtime loss. Yet, Rielly’s overtime wrister stole a game where the Leafs bent, but did not break, and hung around to give themselves a chance.
They only had a chance to win because Samsonov made important saves at key times. After a shaky beginning to Game 3, he kept the Lightning from putting the game out of reach early in the second period with critical saves. More followed during overtime. While it didn’t always look graceful, he kept the puck out of the net until his team got the deciding goal.
Late Season Additions Bring Swagger
The acquisitions of O’Reilly and Schenn have proven to be huge for this team. It’s early, but Knies is already endearing himself to Leafs’ fans. O’Reilly exudes confidence and calm in everything he does. He won the faceoff leading to Rielly’s winner after scoring the tying goal late in regulation. He probably drove the bus home to the team hotel. Most importantly, he was steady on the rudder after Game 1 with his “we got this” attitude.
Schenn has to be loving his second go-round with the Leafs and vice versa. He is someone to fear when the opposition takes up residence in front of the Leafs’ net. He blocks shots and hits. Like O’Reilly, he brings maturity and confidence, but the toughness he exudes is immeasurable for this team. He is a big brother watching out for a little brother.
A year ago, the Leafs looked to have turned a postseason corner and led the Lightning 2-1 after three games. The job is still not finished. Two more victories against a menacing foe are still required, but the Toronto Maple Leafs finally look like a playoff team.
Main Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
