Defensively the Toronto Maple Leafs have had a roller coaster of a 2024 so far. Winning 10 of the last 17 games, coach Sheldon Keefe knows there are still plenty of little things to improve. Toronto has taken early leads against most opponents. However, playing consistently on defence will make Toronto unstoppable. The Leafs just recently buckled down to hold Robert Thomas and the St. Louis Blues to just 15 shots on goal. Despite last minute Toronto Maple Leaf roster changes prior to the game, the Toronto defence protected their house. This was the next appropriate response for Toronto’s defence as they get cracking in this season’s final stretch.
Morgan Rielly Suspended for Five Games
Most likely you’ve heard Tornonto Maple Leafs’ star defenceman Morgan Rielly is suspended for five games following his cross-check on Ridly Greig‘s face. He will not be back in the Maple Leafs’ lineup until February 22nd, 2024 against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Morgan Rielly’s hearing took place at 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday February 13th, 2024 at the NHL’s New York office. Prior to the hearing, reporters were discussing the slapshot Ridly Greig sent into an empty net at point blank. Maple Leafs’ teammate Ryan Reaves had a very specific message during his interview after practice Monday:
The game has changed a lot, it’s unfortunate that a young kid like that can get away with something like that and then you know, one of our best players is gonna get suspended for it so, make hockey violent again, get that tattooed on me (Ryan Reaves – February 12, 2024).
Toronto’s Defence Responds Appropriately
Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe was asked what he thought of Rielly’s reaction to Greig’s slapshot into the empty net?
I thought it was appropriate (Sheldon Keefe February 10, 2024).
The first day of the official suspension, captain John Tavares and Mitch Marner were both out sick, missing the first game without assistant captain Rielly. The team needed to band together more than ever as the Blues had won their last six games in Scotiabank Arena. On defence it was Jake McCabe, Simon Benoit, T.J. Brodie, Timothy Liljegren, William Lagesson, and Mark Giordano. The Toronto defence took care of the little things, and showed the type of consistency Keefe has been asking for. McCabe took the lead on the Maple Leafs’ power play, looking for Auston Matthews and William Nylander whenever possible.
Defensive Toronto Maple Leaf Plays
A few of the most notable plays made by the Toronto defence against St. Louis include:
- McCabe leveling Oskar Sundqvist to win a puck with ease.
- Benoit held the zone at all costs.
- Brodie was patient in the d-zone with the puck on his stick.
- Giordano gets a quick assist to Bobby McMann for his empty net hat trick.
Better Breakouts When Toronto Defence Gets Help From The Offence
Knowing they were down three key players, Toronto’s defence was going to need help. All hands on deck, the forwards were battling in the corners with the defence. It was obvious the team effort in the defensive zone allowed for quick breakouts and more time to get up ice in front of Jordan Binnington. Ilya Samsonov had another solid night in net for the Leafs, allowing only one tipped shot to sneak by. Sammy is not afraid to get behind the net and send pucks high off the glass at a moments notice, which is just another little thing to make a big difference.
Big Help From The Big Man, McMann
Without much notice, 27 year old McMann was added to the fourth line on right wing against St. Louis. McMann earned his first NHL hat trick by playing with tenacity. Driving into the zone, winning battles, and powering the first goal of the night, McMann really stepped up for Toronto. He shelved the 2nd goal from an off angle and banked the last empty net goal to seal the deal as the game ended, with the Leafs up four to one. Leaf fans will be on the edge of their seats waiting to see who steps up next and so will Toronto’s defence. Go Leafs Go!
Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
